VYM vs WZRD
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Opportunistic Trader ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WZRD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 1.07% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | - | |
| Holdings | 568 | 63 | |
| YTD Return | +16.78% | -96.39% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.43% | -96.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 86.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -98.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Opportunistic Trader | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 19, 2024 |
VYM vs WZRD Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Opportunistic Trader ETF (WZRD) is a ETF from Opportunistic Trader. Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% while WZRD returned -96.79%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.78% versus a loss of 96.39% for WZRD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WZRD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 86.0% 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 -58.8% for VYM and -98.2% for WZRD. 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 -0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WZRD charges 1.07%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $107 annually, a gap of $103 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WZRD?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WZRD charges 1.07%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $103 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WZRD?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% vs -96.79% for WZRD, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VYM annualized +7.11% vs -95.04% for WZRD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WZRD?
WZRD has been the more volatile fund at 86.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WZRD -98.2%.
Should I hold both VYM and WZRD?
VYM and WZRD have a monthly-return correlation of -0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
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