BKAG vs VYM
BKAG vs VYM
BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
BKAG has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. BKAG offers more diversification with 4433 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BKAG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.22% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5,305 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.34% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.03% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.01% | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.47% | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 22, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BKAG vs VYM Performance
BNY Mellon Core Bond ETF (BKAG) is a ETF from BNY Mellon Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BKAG returned +2.03% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, BKAG is down 0.34% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Over three years, BKAG compounded at +4.01% per year against +17.96% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.47% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs -0.29%. 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 5.8% for BKAG. 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 -19.2% for BKAG 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BKAG charges 0.00% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $4 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BKAG currently yields 4.22% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BKAG and VYM share 3 holdings out of 4988 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, BKAG or VYM?
BKAG has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VYM charges 0.04%. BKAG is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BKAG or VYM?
Over the past year BKAG returned +2.03% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BKAG annualized -0.29% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BKAG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.8% for BKAG. Worst drawdown: BKAG -19.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BKAG and VYM?
BKAG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BKAG and VYM?
BKAG and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 4988 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BKAG or VYM?
BKAG yields 4.22% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BKAG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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