SQLT vs VYM
SQLT vs VYM
iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Quality Factor ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SQLT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.19% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 484 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.15% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | - | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 31, 2026 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SQLT vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Quality Factor ETF (SQLT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, SQLT is up 14.15% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -4.0% for SQLT and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SQLT charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SQLT currently yields 0.19% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SQLT and VYM share 96 holdings out of 955 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SQLT | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFG | 1.10% | 0.04% | 1.06% |
| EWBC | 0.81% | 0.07% | 0.74% |
| EVR | 0.68% | 0.05% | 0.63% |
| BWA | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| RL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| OTTR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BPOP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| OVV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DTM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings SQLT 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, SQLT or VYM?
SQLT has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
What is the holdings overlap between SQLT and VYM?
SQLT and VYM share 96 common holdings with a 2.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 955 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SQLT or VYM?
SQLT yields 0.19% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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