VEGA vs VYM
AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write 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 | VEGA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $93M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.62% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.95% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.93% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.78% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Advisor Shares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 17, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VEGA vs VYM Performance
AdvisorShares STAR Global Buy-Write ETF (VEGA) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEGA returned +13.95% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, VEGA is up 7.62% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, VEGA compounded at +13.93% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.78% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +6.12%. 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 9.8% for VEGA. 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 -28.4% for VEGA 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEGA charges 1.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $125 vs $4 annually, a gap of $121 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEGA currently yields 1.27% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VEGA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 613 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEGA or VYM?
VEGA has an expense ratio of 1.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $121 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEGA or VYM?
Over the past year VEGA returned +13.95% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VEGA annualized +6.12% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEGA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.8% for VEGA. Worst drawdown: VEGA -28.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VEGA and VYM?
VEGA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEGA and VYM?
VEGA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 613 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEGA or VYM?
VEGA yields 1.27% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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