SPYI 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

MetricSPYIVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.68%0.04%
AUM$10.8B$79.0B
Dividend Yield11.84%2.86%
Holdings509568
YTD Return+2.76%+15.57%
1Y Return+10.56%+25.99%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.95%+18.02%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.71%
Volatility (annualized)10.5%14.6%
Max Drawdown-16.5%-58.8%
Fund FamilyNEOSVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionAug 29, 2022Nov 10, 2006

SPYI vs VYM Performance

NEOS S&P 500 High Income ETF (SPYI) is a ETF from NEOS and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPYI returned +10.56% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SPYI is up 2.76% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.

Over three years, SPYI compounded at +12.95% per year against +18.02% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPYI has the edge at +13.23% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.5% for SPYI. 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 -16.5% for SPYI 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPYI charges 0.68% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $68 vs $4 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPYI currently yields 11.84% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

34.1%overlap

SPYI and VYM share 228 holdings out of 831 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.1% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SPYIWeight in VYMDifference
AVGO2.86%6.47%3.61%
JPM1.51%3.36%1.85%
XOM1.02%2.83%1.81%
JNJProProPro
WMTProProPro
ABBVProProPro
PGProProPro
HDProProPro
CATProProPro
CSCOProProPro
See all 10 holdings SPYI 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, SPYI or VYM?

SPYI has an expense ratio of 0.68% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPYI or VYM?

Over the past year SPYI returned +10.56% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SPYI annualized +13.23% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPYI or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.5% for SPYI. Worst drawdown: SPYI -16.5% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both SPYI and VYM?

SPYI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SPYI and VYM?

SPYI and VYM share 228 common holdings with a 34.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 831 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPYI or VYM?

SPYI yields 11.84% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SPYI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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