BLST vs VYM
BLST vs VYM
Bluemonte Short Term Bond 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 | BLST | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.49% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.52% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Bluemonte Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BLST vs VYM Performance
Bluemonte Short Term Bond ETF (BLST) is a ETF from Bluemonte Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BLST returned +2.52% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BLST is up 0.49% 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 1.8% for BLST. 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 -1.7% for BLST 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BLST charges 0.23% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $4 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
BLST and VYM share 0 holdings out of 561 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, BLST or VYM?
BLST has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLST or VYM?
Over the past year BLST returned +2.52% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BLST annualized +3.03% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLST or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.8% for BLST. Worst drawdown: BLST -1.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BLST and VYM?
BLST and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BLST and VYM?
BLST and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
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