PAAA vs VYM
PAAA vs VYM
PGIM 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 | PAAA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $11.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.67% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 355 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +2.70% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.00% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.49% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | PGIM Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 19, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PAAA vs VYM Performance
PGIM AAA CLO ETF (PAAA) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PAAA returned +5.00% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, PAAA is up 2.70% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Over three years, PAAA compounded at +6.49% per year against +16.97% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.96% annualized vs +6.48%. 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 0.7% for PAAA. 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 -1.0% for PAAA 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PAAA charges 0.19% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $4 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PAAA currently yields 5.67% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PAAA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 626 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, PAAA or VYM?
PAAA has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PAAA or VYM?
Over the past year PAAA returned +5.00% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PAAA annualized +6.48% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PAAA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 0.7% for PAAA. Worst drawdown: PAAA -1.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PAAA and VYM?
PAAA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PAAA and VYM?
PAAA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 626 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PAAA or VYM?
PAAA yields 5.67% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PAAA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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