SDVD vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSDVDVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.04%
AUM$886M$79.0B
Dividend Yield8.25%2.86%
Holdings168568
YTD Return+12.29%+15.80%
1Y Return+20.03%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+6.35%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)22.4%14.6%
Max Drawdown-29.1%-58.8%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionAug 9, 2023Nov 10, 2006

SDVD vs VYM Performance

FT Vest SMID Rising Dividend Achievers Target Income ETF (SDVD) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDVD returned +20.03% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, SDVD is up 12.29% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, SDVD compounded at +6.35% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +6.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SDVD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.4% 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 -29.1% for SDVD 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SDVD charges 0.85% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $4 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDVD currently yields 8.25% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

3.6%overlap

SDVD and VYM share 71 holdings out of 660 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.6% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SDVDWeight in VYMDifference
FBP:PR1.08%0.01%1.07%
WSM0.95%0.11%0.84%
IPAR1.03%0.01%1.02%
CINFProProPro
AIZProProPro
RGAProProPro
EWBCProProPro
ZIONProProPro
SNAProProPro
YOUProProPro
See all 10 holdings SDVD shares with VYM
Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SDVD or VYM?

SDVD has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SDVD or VYM?

Over the past year SDVD returned +20.03% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SDVD annualized +6.35% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SDVD or VYM?

SDVD has been the more volatile fund at 22.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SDVD -29.1% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both SDVD and VYM?

SDVD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SDVD and VYM?

SDVD and VYM share 71 common holdings with a 3.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 660 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SDVD or VYM?

SDVD yields 8.25% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SDVD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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