VMAX vs VYM
Hartford US Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VMAX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VMAX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $51M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.83% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 142 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +18.78% | +15.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.86% | +22.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Hartford Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VMAX vs VYM Performance
Hartford US Value ETF (VMAX) is a ETF from Hartford Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VMAX returned +24.86% while VYM returned +22.36%. Year to date, VMAX is up 18.78% versus a gain of 15.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.2% for VMAX. 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 -19.1% for VMAX 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VMAX charges 0.29% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $4 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VMAX currently yields 1.83% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VMAX and VYM share 95 holdings out of 648 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VMAX or VYM?
VMAX has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VMAX or VYM?
Over the past year VMAX returned +24.86% vs +22.36% for VYM, so VMAX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VMAX annualized +21.83% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VMAX or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.2% for VMAX. Worst drawdown: VMAX -19.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VMAX and VYM?
VMAX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VMAX and VYM?
VMAX and VYM share 95 common holdings with a 26.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 648 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VMAX or VYM?
VMAX yields 1.83% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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