VYM vs ZTR
VYM vs ZTR
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Virtus Total Return Fund Inc
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | ZTR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 2.53% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $381M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 7.94% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 770 | |
| YTD Return | +15.80% | +12.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.12% | +18.44% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.25% | +15.17% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | +3.57% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 16.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -87.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Virtus Investment Partners | |
| Category | Equity | Allocation/Balanced | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Feb 24, 2005 |
VYM vs ZTR Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Virtus Total Return Fund Inc (ZTR) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners. Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% while ZTR returned +18.44%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.80% versus a gain of 12.81% for ZTR.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.25% per year against +15.17% for ZTR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.51% and +3.57% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs -3.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ZTR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -87.0% for ZTR. 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while ZTR charges 2.53%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $253 annually, a gap of $249 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 7.94% for ZTR.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and ZTR share 23 holdings out of 1066 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VYM | Weight in ZTR | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 0.86% | 5.28% | 4.42% |
| UNP | 0.70% | 5.33% | 4.63% |
| WMB | 0.40% | 3.58% | 3.18% |
| SO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TRGP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ETR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| EVRG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VYM shares with ZTR Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or ZTR?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while ZTR charges 2.53%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $249 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or ZTR?
Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% vs +18.44% for ZTR, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VYM annualized +7.07% vs -3.22% for ZTR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or ZTR?
ZTR has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs ZTR -87.0%.
Should I hold both VYM and ZTR?
VYM and ZTR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and ZTR?
VYM and ZTR share 23 common holdings with a 5.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1066 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or ZTR?
VYM yields 2.86% while ZTR yields 7.94%, so ZTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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