EQWL vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

EQWL (Invesco S&P 100 Equal Weight ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EQWL is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the S&P 100 Equal Weight Index, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, EQWL returned 14.47%/yr vs 11.90%/yr for VYM. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. EQWL charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

EQWL vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 100 Equal Weight ETF (EQWL) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, EQWL achieves a 8.74% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 12.47% return. Over the past 10 years, EQWL has outperformed VYM with an annualized return of 14.47%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively lower 11.90% annualized return.

EQWL

• 1D: -0.50%
• 1M: 4.84%
• YTD: 8.74%
• 6M: 9.31%
• 1Y: 21.89%
• 3Y*: 19.67%
• 5Y*: 11.79%
• 10Y*: 14.47%

VYM

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 3.38%
• YTD: 12.47%
• 6M: 12.01%
• 1Y: 26.16%
• 3Y*: 18.88%
• 5Y*: 11.48%
• 10Y*: 11.90%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

EQWL vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
EQWL Invesco S&P 100 Equal Weight ETF	8.74%	17.61%	19.11%	19.48%	-11.46%	28.29%	13.94%	29.54%	-6.30%	24.41%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	12.47%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between EQWL and VYM is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.92
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.89
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 4, 2006	0.85

The correlation between EQWL and VYM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

EQWL vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	EQWL	VYM
Technology	22.8%	17.7%
Financial Services	15.6%	20.5%
Healthcare	14.0%	12.2%
Industrials	13.7%	12.1%
Consumer Defensive	8.9%	8.1%
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	6.7%
Communication Services	7.6%	3.5%
Energy	3.0%	9.8%
Utilities	3.0%	5.7%
Real Estate	2.0%	0.0%
Basic Materials	1.0%	3.5%

Return for Risk

EQWL vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

EQWL

EQWL Risk / Return Rank: 61
EQWL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 62
EQWL Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
EQWL Omega Ratio Rank: 60
EQWL Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
EQWL Martin Ratio Rank: 64

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 77
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 75

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

EQWL vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 100 Equal Weight ETF (EQWL) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	EQWL	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.12	2.56	-0.44
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.99	3.65	-0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.46	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.83	3.93	-1.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.94	14.76	-2.82
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

EQWL vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EQWL Sharpe Ratio is 2.12, which is comparable to the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EQWL and VYM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	EQWL	VYM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.12	2.56	-0.44
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79	0.83	-0.03
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.86	0.73	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.51	+0.08

Drawdowns

EQWL vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EQWL drawdown since its inception was -49.36%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EQWL and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	EQWL	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-49.36%	-56.98%	+7.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.76%	-6.69%	-1.07%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-14.46%	-0.49%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.99%	-15.84%	-7.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.30%	-35.21%	+0.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.53%	-0.43%	-0.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.70%	-7.19%	+0.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.84%	1.78%	+0.06%

Volatility

EQWL vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Invesco S&P 100 Equal Weight ETF (EQWL) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) have volatilities of 2.66% and 2.77%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	EQWL	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.66%	2.77%	-0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.66%	7.67%	-0.01%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.37%	10.28%	+0.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.98%	13.96%	+1.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.79%	16.34%	+0.45%

EQWL vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

EQWL has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

EQWL vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

EQWL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.54%, less than VYM's 2.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
EQWL Invesco S&P 100 Equal Weight ETF	1.54%	1.67%	1.86%	1.97%	2.12%	1.65%	2.01%	2.04%	2.23%	1.27%	2.01%	2.03%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.19%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EQWL and VYM in my portfolio?

EQWL and VYM have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EQWL or VYM?

VYM has higher volatility (2.77%) compared to EQWL (2.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EQWL dropped -49.36% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, EQWL or VYM?

On 10-year performance, EQWL leads with 14.47% vs 11.90% for VYM. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, EQWL has been the lower-risk option at 2.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EQWL or VYM?

Over the 10-year period, EQWL has performed better with a 14.47% return vs 11.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EQWL or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for EQWL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, EQWL or VYM?

VYM has the higher dividend yield at 2.19%, compared with 1.54% for EQWL.

What is the main difference between EQWL and VYM?

EQWL is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VYM is Dividend. EQWL tracks S&P 100 Equal Weight Index, while VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for EQWL and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 2.12), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.