VYM vs ZIG
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs The Acquirers Fund 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 | ZIG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $33M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 1.75% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 33 | |
| YTD Return | +16.42% | +10.77% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.22% | +9.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.03% | +10.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +8.31% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 20.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -37.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Acquirers Funds, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | May 14, 2019 |
VYM vs ZIG Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and The Acquirers Fund ETF (ZIG) is a ETF from Acquirers Funds, LLC. Over the past year VYM returned +24.22% while ZIG returned +9.67%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.42% versus a gain of 10.77% for ZIG.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.03% per year against +10.59% for ZIG; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +8.31% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, ZIG has the edge at +7.87% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.1% 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 -37.1% for ZIG. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while ZIG charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $75 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 1.75% for ZIG.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and ZIG share 18 holdings out of 618 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or ZIG?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while ZIG charges 0.75%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or ZIG?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.22% vs +9.67% for ZIG, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), VYM annualized +7.10% vs +7.87% for ZIG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or ZIG?
ZIG has been the more volatile fund at 20.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs ZIG -37.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and ZIG?
VYM and ZIG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and ZIG?
VYM and ZIG share 18 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 618 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or ZIG?
VYM yields 2.24% while ZIG yields 1.75%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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