VYM vs YYY
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Amplify CEF High Income 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 | YYY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 3.23% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $752M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 13.88% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 62 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +6.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +10.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | +12.21% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +3.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 13.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Amplify ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jun 12, 2012 |
VYM vs YYY Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Amplify CEF High Income ETF (YYY) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs. Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% while YYY returned +10.01%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.34% versus a gain of 6.24% for YYY.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.22% per year against +12.21% for YYY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +3.22% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +0.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.6% for YYY. 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 -58.8% for YYY. 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while YYY charges 3.23%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $323 annually, a gap of $319 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 13.88% for YYY.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and YYY share 0 holdings out of 664 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 YYY?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YYY charges 3.23%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $319 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or YYY?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% vs +10.01% for YYY, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs +0.38% for YYY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or YYY?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.6% for YYY. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs YYY -58.8%.
Should I hold both VYM and YYY?
VYM and YYY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and YYY?
VYM and YYY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 664 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or YYY?
VYM yields 2.24% while YYY yields 13.88%, so YYY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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