BASG vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBASGVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.61%0.04%
AUM$490M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings33568
YTD Return+11.67%+15.80%
1Y Return+9.26%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)15.5%14.6%
Max Drawdown-19.3%-58.8%
Fund FamilyBrown AdvisoryVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 13, 2025Nov 10, 2006

BASG vs VYM Performance

Brown Advisory Sustainable Growth ETF (BASG) is a ETF from Brown Advisory and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BASG returned +9.26% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BASG is up 11.67% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BASG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -19.3% for BASG 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BASG charges 0.61% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $61 vs $4 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BASG currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

5.6%overlap

BASG and VYM share 3 holdings out of 589 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.6% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in BASGWeight in VYMDifference
AVGO4.97%6.47%1.50%
PGR2.01%0.55%1.46%
ARES1.95%0.09%1.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BASG or VYM?

BASG has an expense ratio of 0.61% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.

Which performed better, BASG or VYM?

Over the past year BASG returned +9.26% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BASG annualized +11.95% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BASG or VYM?

BASG has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BASG -19.3% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both BASG and VYM?

BASG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between BASG and VYM?

BASG and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 5.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 589 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BASG or VYM?

BASG yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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