VYM vs ZDEK
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr December
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 | ZDEK | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $108M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.66% | +3.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.16% | +7.31% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 2.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -3.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Nov 29, 2024 |
VYM vs ZDEK Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr December (ZDEK) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% while ZDEK returned +7.31%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.66% versus a gain of 3.77% for ZDEK.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 2.9% for ZDEK. 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 -3.4% for ZDEK. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while ZDEK 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 ZDEK.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or ZDEK?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while ZDEK 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 ZDEK?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% vs +7.31% for ZDEK, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +6.49% for ZDEK. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or ZDEK?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.9% for ZDEK. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs ZDEK -3.4%.
Should I hold both VYM and ZDEK?
VYM and ZDEK have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or ZDEK?
VYM yields 2.24% while ZDEK yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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