CPLB 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

MetricCPLBVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.30%0.04%
AUM$376M$79.0B
Dividend Yield5.96%2.86%
Holdings796568
YTD Return+1.03%+15.45%
1Y Return+3.25%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)+5.58%+17.96%
5Y Return (annualized)+0.43%+12.54%
Volatility (annualized)6.6%14.6%
Max Drawdown-19.0%-58.8%
Fund FamilyINDEXIQ ETF TRUSTVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJun 29, 2021Nov 10, 2006

CPLB vs VYM Performance

NYLI MacKay Core Plus Bond ETF (CPLB) is a ETF from INDEXIQ ETF TRUST and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CPLB returned +3.25% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, CPLB is up 1.03% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.

Over three years, CPLB compounded at +5.58% per year against +17.96% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.43% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +0.70%. 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 6.6% for CPLB. 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 -19.0% for CPLB 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CPLB charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CPLB currently yields 5.96% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

CPLB and VYM share 0 holdings out of 977 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, CPLB or VYM?

CPLB has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CPLB or VYM?

Over the past year CPLB returned +3.25% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), CPLB annualized +0.70% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CPLB or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.6% for CPLB. Worst drawdown: CPLB -19.0% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both CPLB and VYM?

CPLB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CPLB and VYM?

CPLB and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 977 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CPLB or VYM?

CPLB yields 5.96% while VYM yields 2.86%, so CPLB currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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