SMTH vs VYM
SMTH vs VYM
ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond 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 | SMTH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.38% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 954 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.11% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.33% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 5, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMTH vs VYM Performance
ALPS Smith Core Plus Bond ETF (SMTH) is a ETF from ALPS Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMTH returned +2.33% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SMTH is up 0.11% 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 4.0% for SMTH. 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 -4.1% for SMTH 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMTH charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMTH currently yields 4.38% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMTH and VYM share 0 holdings out of 705 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMTH or VYM?
SMTH has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMTH or VYM?
Over the past year SMTH returned +2.33% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SMTH annualized +4.94% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMTH or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.0% for SMTH. Worst drawdown: SMTH -4.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMTH and VYM?
SMTH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMTH and VYM?
SMTH and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 705 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMTH or VYM?
SMTH yields 4.38% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SMTH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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