UTF 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

MetricUTFVYMWinner
Expense Ratio3.42%0.04%
AUM$3,053.86$79.0B
Dividend Yield6.75%2.86%
Holdings297568
YTD Return+16.12%+15.80%
1Y Return+8.19%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+14.35%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+6.56%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)20.2%14.6%
Max Drawdown-76.7%-58.8%
Fund FamilyCohen & Steers FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 30, 2004Nov 10, 2006

UTF vs VYM Performance

Cohen & Steers Infrastructure Fund Inc (UTF) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UTF returned +8.19% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, UTF is up 16.12% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, UTF compounded at +14.35% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.56% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +3.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

UTF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -76.7% for UTF 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

UTF charges 3.42% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $342 vs $4 annually, a gap of $338 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UTF currently yields 6.75% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

5.2%overlap

UTF and VYM share 25 holdings out of 775 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in UTFWeight in VYMDifference
NEE7.03%0.86%6.17%
NI4.23%0.10%4.13%
DUK3.07%0.45%2.62%
PPLProProPro
UNPProProPro
LNTProProPro
SOProProPro
PEGProProPro
EVRGProProPro
NSCProProPro
See all 10 holdings UTF shares with VYM
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, UTF or VYM?

UTF has an expense ratio of 3.42% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $338 per year of difference.

Which performed better, UTF or VYM?

Over the past year UTF returned +8.19% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), UTF annualized +3.26% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, UTF or VYM?

UTF has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: UTF -76.7% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both UTF and VYM?

UTF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between UTF and VYM?

UTF and VYM share 25 common holdings with a 5.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 775 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, UTF or VYM?

UTF yields 6.75% while VYM yields 2.86%, so UTF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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