VYM vs ZTOP
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs F/m High Yield 100 ETF
Which is better, VYM or ZTOP?
Large Cap Value against High Yield Bond.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | ZTOP |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04%Best | 0.39% |
| AUM | $81.6B | $16M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 6.26% |
| Holdings | 613 | 103 |
| YTD Return | +11.35%Best | +1.27% |
| 1Y Return | +15.34%Best | +2.51% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.22% | - |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.3% | 3.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -6.7% | -2.5%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.4 years | $13,401Best | $10,992 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | F-m investments |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income |
| Style | Large Cap Value | High Yield Bond |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Apr 14, 2025 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 15, 2025 to Sep 18, 2026 (1.4 years).
VYM vs ZTOP growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.4 years both funds cover.
VYM vs ZTOP Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and F/m High Yield 100 ETF (ZTOP) is an ETF from F-m investments. Over the past year VYM returned +15.34% while ZTOP returned +2.51%. Year to date, VYM is up 11.35% versus a gain of 1.27% for ZTOP.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 9.3% compared with 3.1% for ZTOP. 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 -6.7% for VYM and -2.5% for ZTOP. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while ZTOP charges 0.39%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $39 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.22% against 6.26% for ZTOP.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 557 holdings in VYM and 75 in ZTOP, totalling 99.2% and 72.8% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 557 positions we hold weights for in VYM and 75 in ZTOP, against full books of 613 and 103.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VYM and ZTOP you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or ZTOP?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while ZTOP charges 0.39%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $35 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VYM or ZTOP?
Over the past year VYM returned +15.34% vs +2.51% for ZTOP, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VYM annualized +23.26% vs +6.99% for ZTOP. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VYM or ZTOP?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 9.3% annualized versus 3.1% for ZTOP. Worst drawdown: VYM -6.7% vs ZTOP -2.5%.
Should I hold both VYM and ZTOP?
VYM and ZTOP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or ZTOP?
VYM yields 2.22% while ZTOP yields 6.26%, so ZTOP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is ZTOP better than VYM?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.