HDLB vs VYM
ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, HDLB or VYM?
Trading-Leveraged Equity against Large Cap Value.
HDLB has a lower expense ratio. HDLB led over 3Y and 5Y, VYM over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HDLB | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.00%Best | 0.04% |
| AUM | $6M | $78.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 9.97% | 2.37% |
| Holdings | - | 608 |
| YTD Return | +9.10% | +11.83%Best |
| 1Y Return | +9.78% | +15.96%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.62%Best | +18.60% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.40%Best | +11.51% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.5% | 15.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,940Best | $17,241 |
| Fund Family | UBS AG | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Leveraged Equity | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 25, 2019 to Oct 14, 2026 (7 years).
HDLB vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 7 years both funds cover.
HDLB vs VYM Performance
ETRACS Monthly Pay 2xLeveraged US High Dividend Low Volatility ETN Series B (HDLB) is an ETF from UBS AG and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HDLB returned +9.78% while VYM returned +15.96%. Year to date, HDLB is up 9.10% versus a gain of 11.83% for VYM.
Over three years, HDLB compounded at +29.62% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.40% and +11.51% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +11.22% annualized vs +1.89%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HDLB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.5% compared with 15.5% 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 -79.0% for HDLB and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HDLB charges 0.00% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $0 vs $4 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HDLB currently yields 9.97% against 2.37% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HDLB and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HDLB or VYM?
HDLB has an expense ratio of 0.00% while VYM charges 0.04%. HDLB is the cheaper option, by $4 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HDLB or VYM?
Over the past year HDLB returned +9.78% vs +15.96% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), HDLB annualized +1.89% vs +11.22% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HDLB or VYM?
HDLB has been the more volatile fund at 40.5% annualized versus 15.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: HDLB -79.0% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both HDLB and VYM?
HDLB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, HDLB or VYM?
HDLB yields 9.97% while VYM yields 2.37%, so HDLB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than HDLB?
HDLB has a lower expense ratio. HDLB led over 3Y and 5Y, VYM over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.