MDYG vs VYM
MDYG vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MDYG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MDYG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.9B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 247 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +19.69% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.03% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.18% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.45% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 8, 2005 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MDYG vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 400 Mid Cap Growth ETF (MDYG) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MDYG returned +28.03% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, MDYG is up 19.69% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, MDYG compounded at +16.18% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.45% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, MDYG has the edge at +9.41% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MDYG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -59.3% for MDYG 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDYG charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDYG currently yields 0.57% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MDYG and VYM share 3 holdings out of 570 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MDYG or VYM?
MDYG has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MDYG or VYM?
Over the past year MDYG returned +28.03% vs +26.12% for VYM, so MDYG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), MDYG annualized +9.41% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MDYG or VYM?
MDYG has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MDYG -59.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MDYG and VYM?
MDYG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MDYG and VYM?
MDYG and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 570 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDYG or VYM?
MDYG yields 0.57% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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