SMOT vs VYM
SMOT vs VYM
VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat 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 | SMOT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $328M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.28% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 116 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.59% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.03% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.82% | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMOT vs VYM Performance
VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat ETF (SMOT) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMOT returned +15.03% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, SMOT is up 11.59% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Over three years, SMOT compounded at +10.82% per year against +17.96% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, SMOT has the edge at +13.33% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -23.4% for SMOT 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMOT charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMOT currently yields 1.28% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMOT and VYM share 44 holdings out of 624 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SMOT | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CI | 1.32% | 0.33% | 0.99% |
| MDLZ | 1.29% | 0.35% | 0.94% |
| MAS | 1.50% | 0.07% | 1.43% |
| SF | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMCR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BDX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KHC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DVN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| OMC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SMOT 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, SMOT or VYM?
SMOT has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMOT or VYM?
Over the past year SMOT returned +15.03% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SMOT annualized +13.33% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMOT or VYM?
SMOT has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMOT -23.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMOT and VYM?
SMOT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMOT and VYM?
SMOT and VYM share 44 common holdings with a 5.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 624 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMOT or VYM?
SMOT yields 1.28% 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.