VYM vs XDQQ
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Innovator Growth-100 Accelerated ETF - Quarterly
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 | XDQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $57M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.16% | +1.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.05% | +10.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.43% | +16.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +6.82% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 17.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -35.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 31, 2021 |
VYM vs XDQQ Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator Growth-100 Accelerated ETF - Quarterly (XDQQ) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VYM returned +26.05% while XDQQ returned +10.24%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.16% versus a gain of 1.68% for XDQQ.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.43% per year against +16.67% for XDQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +6.82% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XDQQ has the edge at +8.46% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XDQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -35.6% for XDQQ. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XDQQ charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $79 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 0.00% for XDQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XDQQ?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XDQQ charges 0.79%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XDQQ?
Over the past year VYM returned +26.05% vs +10.24% for XDQQ, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VYM annualized +7.09% vs +8.46% for XDQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XDQQ?
XDQQ has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XDQQ -35.6%.
Should I hold both VYM and XDQQ?
VYM and XDQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XDQQ?
VYM yields 2.86% while XDQQ yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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