VYM vs ZAPR
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April
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 | ZAPR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $67M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +4.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +6.42% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 1.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -1.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Apr 1, 2025 |
VYM vs ZAPR Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr April (ZAPR) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% while ZAPR returned +6.42%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.34% versus a gain of 4.21% for ZAPR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 1.1% for ZAPR. 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 -1.7% for ZAPR. 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while ZAPR 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 2.24% against 0.00% for ZAPR.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and ZAPR 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 ZAPR?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while ZAPR 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 ZAPR?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% vs +6.42% for ZAPR, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs +6.93% for ZAPR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or ZAPR?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.1% for ZAPR. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs ZAPR -1.7%.
Should I hold both VYM and ZAPR?
VYM and ZAPR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and ZAPR?
VYM and ZAPR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or ZAPR?
VYM yields 2.24% while ZAPR yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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