VYM vs YFYA
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Yields for You Income Strategy A 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 | YFYA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 1.25% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $22M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 5.18% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 10 | |
| YTD Return | +16.53% | +2.31% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.03% | +4.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.54% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.25% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 1.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -2.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Teucrium | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jan 31, 2025 |
VYM vs YFYA Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Yields for You Income Strategy A ETF (YFYA) is a ETF from Teucrium. Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% while YFYA returned +4.27%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.53% versus a gain of 2.31% for YFYA.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 1.8% for YFYA. 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 -2.3% for YFYA. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while YFYA charges 1.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $125 annually, a gap of $121 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 5.18% for YFYA.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and YFYA share 0 holdings out of 566 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, VYM or YFYA?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YFYA charges 1.25%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $121 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or YFYA?
Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% vs +4.27% for YFYA, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VYM annualized +7.10% vs +3.54% for YFYA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or YFYA?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.8% for YFYA. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs YFYA -2.3%.
Should I hold both VYM and YFYA?
VYM and YFYA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and YFYA?
VYM and YFYA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 566 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or YFYA?
VYM yields 2.86% while YFYA yields 5.18%, so YFYA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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