JAAA vs VYM
JAAA vs VYM
Janus Henderson AAA CLO 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 | JAAA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $27.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.53% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 551 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +2.60% | +15.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.87% | +25.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.21% | +17.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.88% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Janus Henderson Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 16, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JAAA vs VYM Performance
Janus Henderson AAA CLO ETF (JAAA) is a ETF from Janus Henderson Investors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JAAA returned +4.87% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, JAAA is up 2.60% versus a gain of 15.20% for VYM.
Over three years, JAAA compounded at +6.21% per year against +17.86% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.88% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +4.49%. 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 1.6% for JAAA. 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 -2.6% for JAAA 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JAAA charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JAAA currently yields 5.53% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
JAAA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 596 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, JAAA or VYM?
JAAA has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JAAA or VYM?
Over the past year JAAA returned +4.87% vs +25.56% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), JAAA annualized +4.49% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JAAA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.6% for JAAA. Worst drawdown: JAAA -2.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JAAA and VYM?
JAAA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JAAA and VYM?
JAAA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 596 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JAAA or VYM?
JAAA yields 5.53% while VYM yields 2.86%, so JAAA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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