SMCO vs VYM
SMCO vs VYM
Hilton Small-MidCap Opportunity 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 | SMCO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $142M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 64 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.50% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.54% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Hilton Capital Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMCO vs VYM Performance
Hilton Small-MidCap Opportunity ETF (SMCO) is a ETF from Hilton Capital Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMCO returned +19.54% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, SMCO is up 12.50% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -22.7% for SMCO 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMCO charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMCO currently yields 0.87% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMCO and VYM share 16 holdings out of 605 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SMCO | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NVT:LN | 2.81% | 0.08% | 2.73% |
| EQT | 2.13% | 0.17% | 1.96% |
| IDA | 2.09% | 0.03% | 2.06% |
| CFR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CBU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HLI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CBSH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CWEN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SMCO 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, SMCO or VYM?
SMCO has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMCO or VYM?
Over the past year SMCO returned +19.54% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SMCO annualized +17.70% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMCO or VYM?
SMCO has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMCO -22.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMCO and VYM?
SMCO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMCO and VYM?
SMCO and VYM share 16 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMCO or VYM?
SMCO yields 0.87% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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