USVN vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricUSVNVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.15%0.04%
AUM$7M$79.0B
Dividend Yield4.09%2.86%
Holdings2568
YTD Return-0.84%+16.53%
1Y Return+1.22%+25.03%
3Y Return (annualized)+3.96%+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.25%
Volatility (annualized)5.5%14.6%
Max Drawdown-8.3%-58.8%
Fund FamilyUS Benchmark SeriesVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionMar 28, 2023Nov 10, 2006

USVN vs VYM Performance

F/m US Treasury 7 Year Note ETF (USVN) is a ETF from US Benchmark Series and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USVN returned +1.22% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, USVN is down 0.84% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.

Over three years, USVN compounded at +3.96% per year against +18.54% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +2.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 5.5% for USVN. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -8.3% for USVN and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

USVN charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USVN currently yields 4.09% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, USVN or VYM?

USVN has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.

Which performed better, USVN or VYM?

Over the past year USVN returned +1.22% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), USVN annualized +2.54% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, USVN or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.5% for USVN. Worst drawdown: USVN -8.3% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both USVN and VYM?

USVN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, USVN or VYM?

USVN yields 4.09% while VYM yields 2.86%, so USVN currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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