VAMO vs VYM
Cambria Value and Momentum ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VAMO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $87M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.61% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 103 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +6.78% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.41% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.01% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.62% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Cambria Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 8, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VAMO vs VYM Performance
Cambria Value and Momentum ETF (VAMO) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VAMO returned +17.41% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, VAMO is up 6.78% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, VAMO compounded at +13.01% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.62% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +4.62%. 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 13.0% for VAMO. 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 -41.8% for VAMO 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VAMO charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VAMO currently yields 0.61% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VAMO and VYM share 45 holdings out of 659 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VAMO or VYM?
VAMO has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VAMO or VYM?
Over the past year VAMO returned +17.41% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VAMO annualized +4.62% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VAMO or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.0% for VAMO. Worst drawdown: VAMO -41.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VAMO and VYM?
VAMO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VAMO and VYM?
VAMO and VYM share 45 common holdings with a 4.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 659 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VAMO or VYM?
VAMO yields 0.61% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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