GSY vs VYM
GSY vs VYM
Invesco Ultra Short Duration 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 | GSY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.22% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.30% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +2.13% | +13.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.15% | +24.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.32% | +17.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.76% | +12.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GSY vs VYM Performance
Invesco Ultra Short Duration ETF (GSY) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GSY returned +4.15% while VYM returned +24.08%. Year to date, GSY is up 2.13% versus a gain of 13.82% for VYM.
Over three years, GSY compounded at +5.32% per year against +17.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.76% and +12.13% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +1.07%. 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 1.0% for GSY. 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 -12.1% for GSY 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSY charges 0.22% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $22 vs $4 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GSY currently yields 4.30% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GSY and VYM share 0 holdings out of 817 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, GSY or VYM?
GSY has an expense ratio of 0.22% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GSY or VYM?
Over the past year GSY returned +4.15% vs +24.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), GSY annualized +1.07% vs +6.98% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSY or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.0% for GSY. Worst drawdown: GSY -12.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GSY and VYM?
GSY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSY and VYM?
GSY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 817 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSY or VYM?
GSY yields 4.30% while VYM yields 2.86%, so GSY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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