PSTR 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

MetricPSTRVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.07%0.04%
AUM$64M$79.0B
Dividend Yield4.90%2.86%
Holdings250568
YTD Return+13.10%+15.80%
1Y Return+21.66%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)7.8%14.6%
Max Drawdown-13.7%-58.8%
Fund FamilyPeakShares LLCVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionApr 30, 2024Nov 10, 2006

PSTR vs VYM Performance

PeakShares Sector Rotation ETF (PSTR) is a ETF from PeakShares LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PSTR returned +21.66% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, PSTR is up 13.10% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 7.8% for PSTR. 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 -13.7% for PSTR 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PSTR charges 1.07% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $4 annually, a gap of $103 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSTR currently yields 4.90% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

7.8%overlap

PSTR and VYM share 20 holdings out of 623 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.8% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in PSTRWeight in VYMDifference
XOM0.31%2.83%2.52%
MRK1.14%1.37%0.23%
WMT0.05%2.44%2.39%
UNHProProPro
CVXProProPro
KOProProPro
PFEProProPro
BACProProPro
TProProPro
CProProPro
See all 10 holdings PSTR 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, PSTR or VYM?

PSTR has an expense ratio of 1.07% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $103 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PSTR or VYM?

Over the past year PSTR returned +21.66% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PSTR annualized +17.99% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PSTR or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.8% for PSTR. Worst drawdown: PSTR -13.7% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both PSTR and VYM?

PSTR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between PSTR and VYM?

PSTR and VYM share 20 common holdings with a 7.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 623 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, PSTR or VYM?

PSTR yields 4.90% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PSTR currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →