HNDL 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

MetricHNDLVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.04%
AUM$631M$79.0B
Dividend Yield6.84%2.86%
Holdings26568
YTD Return+6.53%+13.82%
1Y Return+10.70%+24.08%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.43%+17.72%
5Y Return (annualized)+4.42%+12.13%
Volatility (annualized)10.9%14.6%
Max Drawdown-23.7%-58.8%
Fund FamilySTRATEGY SHARESVanguard (US)
CategoryAllocation/BalancedEquity
InceptionJan 17, 2018Nov 10, 2006

HNDL vs VYM Performance

Strategy Shares Nasdaq 7 HANDL Index ETF (HNDL) is a ETF from STRATEGY SHARES and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HNDL returned +10.70% while VYM returned +24.08%. Year to date, HNDL is up 6.53% versus a gain of 13.82% for VYM.

Over three years, HNDL compounded at +11.43% per year against +17.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.42% and +12.13% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +3.35%. 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 10.9% for HNDL. 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 -23.7% for HNDL 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HNDL charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HNDL currently yields 6.84% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HNDL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 578 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, HNDL or VYM?

HNDL has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HNDL or VYM?

Over the past year HNDL returned +10.70% vs +24.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), HNDL annualized +3.35% vs +6.98% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HNDL or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.9% for HNDL. Worst drawdown: HNDL -23.7% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both HNDL and VYM?

HNDL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HNDL and VYM?

HNDL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 578 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HNDL or VYM?

HNDL yields 6.84% while VYM yields 2.86%, so HNDL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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