LSAF vs VYM
LSAF vs VYM
LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. LSAF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LSAF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $123M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.60% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +23.11% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.53% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.14% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.64% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | LeaderShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 1, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
LSAF vs VYM Performance
LeaderShares AlphaFactor US Core Equity ETF (LSAF) is a ETF from LeaderShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LSAF returned +33.53% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, LSAF is up 23.11% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, LSAF compounded at +20.14% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.64% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, LSAF has the edge at +11.51% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LSAF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -41.7% for LSAF 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LSAF charges 0.75% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $4 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LSAF currently yields 0.60% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
LSAF and VYM share 33 holdings out of 625 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in LSAF | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| C | 1.05% | 0.81% | 0.24% |
| DELL | 1.44% | 0.21% | 1.23% |
| EBAY | 1.20% | 0.18% | 1.02% |
| TRV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AFL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MPC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VLO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VIRT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings LSAF 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, LSAF or VYM?
LSAF has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LSAF or VYM?
Over the past year LSAF returned +33.53% vs +26.12% for VYM, so LSAF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), LSAF annualized +11.51% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LSAF or VYM?
LSAF has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: LSAF -41.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both LSAF and VYM?
LSAF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between LSAF and VYM?
LSAF and VYM share 33 common holdings with a 4.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 625 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LSAF or VYM?
LSAF yields 0.60% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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