JCE vs VYM
JCE vs VYM
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund 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 | JCE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.02% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.72% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 128 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.59% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.02% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.29% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.89% | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 27, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JCE vs VYM Performance
Nuveen Core Equity Alpha Fund (JCE) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JCE returned +20.02% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, JCE is up 12.59% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Over three years, JCE compounded at +19.29% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.89% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +2.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JCE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% 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 -64.9% for JCE 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JCE charges 1.02% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $102 vs $4 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JCE currently yields 7.72% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
JCE and VYM share 47 holdings out of 628 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in JCE | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 3.08% | 6.47% | 3.39% |
| JPM | 1.91% | 3.36% | 1.45% |
| JNJ | 1.60% | 2.62% | 1.02% |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XOM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings JCE shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JCE or VYM?
JCE has an expense ratio of 1.02% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JCE or VYM?
Over the past year JCE returned +20.02% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), JCE annualized +2.22% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JCE or VYM?
JCE has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: JCE -64.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JCE and VYM?
JCE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JCE and VYM?
JCE and VYM share 47 common holdings with a 21.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 628 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JCE or VYM?
JCE yields 7.72% while VYM yields 2.86%, so JCE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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