ELFY 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

MetricELFYVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.04%
AUM$191M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.84%2.86%
Holdings109568
YTD Return+16.22%+15.45%
1Y Return+24.01%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)-+17.96%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.54%
Volatility (annualized)19.6%14.6%
Max Drawdown-13.6%-58.8%
Fund FamilyALPS ETF TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionApr 9, 2025Nov 10, 2006

ELFY vs VYM Performance

ALPS Electrification Infrastructure ETF (ELFY) is a ETF from ALPS ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ELFY returned +24.01% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, ELFY is up 16.22% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ELFY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -13.6% for ELFY 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ELFY charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ELFY currently yields 0.84% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

8.9%overlap

ELFY and VYM share 46 holdings out of 626 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.9% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ELFYWeight in VYMDifference
NEE0.96%0.86%0.10%
ETN0.93%0.65%0.28%
SO0.94%0.47%0.47%
DUKProProPro
WMBProProPro
EMRProProPro
AEPProProPro
GLWProProPro
KMIProProPro
SREProProPro
See all 10 holdings ELFY shares with VYM
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, ELFY or VYM?

ELFY has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ELFY or VYM?

Over the past year ELFY returned +24.01% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), ELFY annualized +44.25% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ELFY or VYM?

ELFY has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ELFY -13.6% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both ELFY and VYM?

ELFY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ELFY and VYM?

ELFY and VYM share 46 common holdings with a 8.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 626 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ELFY or VYM?

ELFY yields 0.84% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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