VYM vs ZALT
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Innovator US Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly
Which is better, VYM or ZALT?
Large Cap Value against Multi Alternative.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y 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 | VYM | ZALT |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04%Best | 0.69% |
| AUM | $78.9B | $794M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 608 | 18 |
| YTD Return | +11.83%Best | +6.44% |
| 1Y Return | +15.96%Best | +9.12% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60%Best | +10.33% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.51% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.9% | 3.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -14.5% | -8.2%Best |
| $10,000 over 3 years | $16,809Best | $13,518 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Oct 2, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 2, 2023 to Oct 14, 2026 (3 years).
VYM vs ZALT 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 3 years both funds cover.
VYM vs ZALT Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (ZALT) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VYM returned +15.96% while ZALT returned +9.12%. Year to date, VYM is up 11.83% versus a gain of 6.44% for ZALT.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.60% per year against +10.33% for ZALT.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 10.9% compared with 3.8% for ZALT. 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 -14.5% for VYM and -8.2% for ZALT. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.68. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while ZALT charges 0.69%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $69 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.37% against 0.00% for ZALT.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VYM and ZALT 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, VYM or ZALT?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while ZALT charges 0.69%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $65 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VYM or ZALT?
Over the past year VYM returned +15.96% vs +9.12% for ZALT, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VYM or ZALT?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 10.9% annualized versus 3.8% for ZALT. Worst drawdown: VYM -14.5% vs ZALT -8.2%.
Should I hold both VYM and ZALT?
VYM and ZALT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, 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, VYM or ZALT?
VYM yields 2.37% while ZALT yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is ZALT better than VYM?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.