AOK vs VYM
AOK vs VYM
iShares Core 30/70 Conservative Allocation ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
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 | AOK | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $787M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.27% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +4.40% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.19% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.19% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.60% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 4, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AOK vs VYM Performance
iShares Core 30/70 Conservative Allocation ETF (AOK) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AOK returned +9.19% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, AOK is up 4.40% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, AOK compounded at +9.19% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.60% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +3.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 6.0% for AOK. 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 -18.9% for AOK and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AOK charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AOK currently yields 3.27% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AOK and VYM share 0 holdings out of 566 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, AOK or VYM?
AOK has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AOK or VYM?
Over the past year AOK returned +9.19% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), AOK annualized +3.77% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AOK or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.0% for AOK. Worst drawdown: AOK -18.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AOK and VYM?
AOK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AOK and VYM?
AOK and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 566 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AOK or VYM?
AOK yields 3.27% while VYM yields 2.86%, so AOK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.