BSL vs VYM
BSL vs VYM
Blackstone Senior Floating Rate 2027 Term Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | - | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $174M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.07% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 354 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.70% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.34% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.48% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.78% | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | The Blackstone Group Inc | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 26, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BSL vs VYM Performance
Blackstone Senior Floating Rate 2027 Term Fund (BSL) is a ETF from The Blackstone Group Inc and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSL returned -0.34% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, BSL is up 0.70% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Over three years, BSL compounded at +8.48% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.78% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +0.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.2% for BSL. 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 -57.1% for BSL 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Holdings Overlap
BSL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 655 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which performed better, BSL or VYM?
Over the past year BSL returned -0.34% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BSL annualized +0.10% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.2% for BSL. Worst drawdown: BSL -57.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BSL and VYM?
BSL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSL and VYM?
BSL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 655 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSL or VYM?
BSL yields 8.07% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BSL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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