VEGN vs VYM
US Vegan Climate ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VEGN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VEGN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $189M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.52% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 263 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +29.83% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.20% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.57% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.03% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Beyond Invesing | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VEGN vs VYM Performance
US Vegan Climate ETF (VEGN) is a ETF from Beyond Invesing and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VEGN returned +40.20% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, VEGN is up 29.83% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, VEGN compounded at +27.57% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +15.03% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VEGN has the edge at +18.59% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VEGN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% 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 -34.4% for VEGN 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VEGN charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VEGN currently yields 0.52% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VEGN and VYM share 9 holdings out of 615 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VEGN or VYM?
VEGN has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VEGN or VYM?
Over the past year VEGN returned +40.20% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VEGN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), VEGN annualized +18.59% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VEGN or VYM?
VEGN has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VEGN -34.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VEGN and VYM?
VEGN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VEGN and VYM?
VEGN and VYM share 9 common holdings with a 3.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 615 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VEGN or VYM?
VEGN yields 0.52% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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