VYM vs YGLD
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Simplify Gold Strategy ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | YGLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.53% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $39M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 22.33% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 16 | |
| YTD Return | +16.42% | -9.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.22% | +23.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.03% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 36.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -43.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Dec 2, 2024 |
VYM vs YGLD Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Simplify Gold Strategy ETF (YGLD) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year VYM returned +24.22% while YGLD returned +23.43%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.42% versus a loss of 9.45% for YGLD.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YGLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.1% 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 -43.4% for YGLD. 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while YGLD charges 0.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $53 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 22.33% for YGLD.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and YGLD share 0 holdings out of 604 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 YGLD?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YGLD charges 0.53%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or YGLD?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.22% vs +23.43% for YGLD, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VYM annualized +7.10% vs +37.57% for YGLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or YGLD?
YGLD has been the more volatile fund at 36.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs YGLD -43.4%.
Should I hold both VYM and YGLD?
VYM and YGLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and YGLD?
VYM and YGLD share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or YGLD?
VYM yields 2.24% while YGLD yields 22.33%, so YGLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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