MSLC vs VYM
MSLC vs VYM
Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. MSLC offers more diversification with 922 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MSLC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.9B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,006 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.98% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.87% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Morgan Stanley | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MSLC vs VYM Performance
Morgan Stanley Pathway Large Cap Equity ETF (MSLC) is a ETF from Morgan Stanley and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSLC returned +19.87% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, MSLC is up 11.98% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.4% for MSLC. 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 -17.9% for MSLC 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSLC charges 0.39% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $4 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSLC currently yields 2.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MSLC and VYM share 339 holdings out of 1141 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in MSLC | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 2.77% | 6.47% | 3.70% |
| JPM | 1.41% | 3.36% | 1.95% |
| XOM | 1.08% | 2.83% | 1.75% |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings MSLC shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MSLC or VYM?
MSLC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MSLC or VYM?
Over the past year MSLC returned +19.87% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MSLC annualized +14.77% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MSLC or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.4% for MSLC. Worst drawdown: MSLC -17.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MSLC and VYM?
MSLC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MSLC and VYM?
MSLC and VYM share 339 common holdings with a 30.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1141 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MSLC or VYM?
MSLC yields 2.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.