ELM vs VYM
ELM vs VYM
Elm Market Navigator 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 | ELM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $576M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.53% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.00% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.58% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Elm Partners Management LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 10, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ELM vs VYM Performance
Elm Market Navigator ETF (ELM) is a ETF from Elm Partners Management LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ELM returned +16.58% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, ELM is up 8.00% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 7.8% for ELM. 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 -9.0% for ELM 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ELM charges 0.24% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $4 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ELM currently yields 2.53% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ELM and VYM share 0 holdings out of 577 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, ELM or VYM?
ELM has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ELM or VYM?
Over the past year ELM returned +16.58% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), ELM annualized +14.00% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ELM or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.8% for ELM. Worst drawdown: ELM -9.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ELM and VYM?
ELM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ELM and VYM?
ELM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 577 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ELM or VYM?
ELM yields 2.53% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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