BTAL vs VYM
BTAL vs VYM
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund 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 | BTAL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $306M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 402 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -14.16% | +13.82% | |
| 1Y Return | -24.93% | +24.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -9.92% | +17.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -4.45% | +12.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | AGFiQ | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 13, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BTAL vs VYM Performance
AGF US Market Neutral Anti-Beta Fund ETF (BTAL) is a ETF from AGFiQ and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTAL returned -24.93% while VYM returned +24.08%. Year to date, BTAL is down 14.16% versus a gain of 13.82% for VYM.
Over three years, BTAL compounded at -9.92% per year against +17.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -4.45% and +12.13% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs -3.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BTAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -52.7% for BTAL 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 -0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BTAL charges 1.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $140 vs $4 annually, a gap of $136 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTAL currently yields 3.20% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BTAL and VYM share 129 holdings out of 828 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BTAL | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | -0.33% | 6.47% | 6.80% |
| JNJ | 0.43% | 2.62% | 2.19% |
| ABBV | 0.47% | 1.80% | 1.33% |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MCD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IBM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings BTAL shares with VYM 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, BTAL or VYM?
BTAL has an expense ratio of 1.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $136 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BTAL or VYM?
Over the past year BTAL returned -24.93% vs +24.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BTAL annualized -3.69% vs +6.98% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BTAL or VYM?
BTAL has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BTAL -52.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BTAL and VYM?
BTAL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BTAL and VYM?
BTAL and VYM share 129 common holdings with a 15.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 828 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTAL or VYM?
BTAL yields 3.20% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BTAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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