VYM vs ZMAY
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May
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 | ZMAY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $83M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +14.66% | +2.97% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.16% | +5.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 0.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -0.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | May 1, 2025 |
VYM vs ZMAY Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator Equity Defined Protection ETF - 1 Yr May (ZMAY) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% while ZMAY returned +5.17%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.66% versus a gain of 2.97% for ZMAY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 0.9% for ZMAY. 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 -0.7% for ZMAY. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while ZMAY 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 ZMAY.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and ZMAY 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 ZMAY?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while ZMAY 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 ZMAY?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% vs +5.17% for ZMAY, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +5.93% for ZMAY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or ZMAY?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 0.9% for ZMAY. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs ZMAY -0.7%.
Should I hold both VYM and ZMAY?
VYM and ZMAY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and ZMAY?
VYM and ZMAY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or ZMAY?
VYM yields 2.24% while ZMAY yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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