VKQ vs VYM
Invesco Municipal Trust 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 | VKQ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.77% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2,913.25 | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.67% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 537 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +6.74% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.18% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.43% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.59% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 27, 1991 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VKQ vs VYM Performance
Invesco Municipal Trust (VKQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VKQ returned +16.18% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, VKQ is up 6.74% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, VKQ compounded at +9.43% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.59% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs -0.11%. 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 14.0% for VKQ. 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 -58.5% for VKQ 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VKQ charges 1.77% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $177 vs $4 annually, a gap of $173 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VKQ currently yields 7.67% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VKQ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 879 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, VKQ or VYM?
VKQ has an expense ratio of 1.77% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $173 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VKQ or VYM?
Over the past year VKQ returned +16.18% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VKQ annualized -0.11% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VKQ or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.0% for VKQ. Worst drawdown: VKQ -58.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VKQ and VYM?
VKQ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VKQ and VYM?
VKQ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 879 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VKQ or VYM?
VKQ yields 7.67% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VKQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.