VYM vs YOLO

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVYMYOLOWinner
Expense Ratio0.04%0.51%
AUM$79.0B$30M
Dividend Yield2.86%0.00%
Holdings56816
YTD Return+16.16%-16.27%
1Y Return+26.05%-7.82%
3Y Return (annualized)+18.43%+3.72%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.21%-30.74%
Volatility (annualized)14.6%53.3%
Max Drawdown-58.8%-94.7%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Advisor Shares
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 10, 2006Apr 17, 2019

VYM vs YOLO Performance

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and ADVISORSHARES PURE CANNABIS ETF (YOLO) is a ETF from Advisor Shares. Over the past year VYM returned +26.05% while YOLO returned -7.82%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.16% versus a loss of 16.27% for YOLO.

Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.43% per year against +3.72% for YOLO; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and -30.74% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs -24.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

YOLO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 53.3% 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 -94.7% for YOLO. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VYM charges 0.04% per year while YOLO charges 0.51%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $51 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 0.00% for YOLO.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VYM and YOLO share 0 holdings out of 577 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 YOLO?

VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YOLO charges 0.51%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VYM or YOLO?

Over the past year VYM returned +26.05% vs -7.82% for YOLO, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), VYM annualized +7.09% vs -24.02% for YOLO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VYM or YOLO?

YOLO has been the more volatile fund at 53.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs YOLO -94.7%.

Should I hold both VYM and YOLO?

VYM and YOLO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VYM and YOLO?

VYM and YOLO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 577 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or YOLO?

VYM yields 2.86% while YOLO yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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