VYM vs WEPN
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Nicholas Defense and Rare Earth Income ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM offers more diversification with 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WEPN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 1.11% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 4.39% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 31 | |
| YTD Return | +16.78% | +0.35% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.43% | - | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | - | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -18.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | XFunds | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 3, 2026 |
VYM vs WEPN Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Nicholas Defense and Rare Earth Income ETF (WEPN) is a ETF from XFunds. Year to date, VYM is up 16.78% versus a gain of 0.35% for WEPN.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -58.8% for VYM and -18.3% for WEPN. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WEPN charges 1.11%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $111 annually, a gap of $107 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 4.39% for WEPN.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WEPN share 6 holdings out of 583 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WEPN?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WEPN charges 1.11%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $107 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WEPN?
VYM and WEPN share 6 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 583 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WEPN?
VYM yields 2.86% while WEPN yields 4.39%, so WEPN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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