STOT 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

MetricSTOTVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.45%0.04%
AUM$499M$79.0B
Dividend Yield4.40%2.86%
Holdings536568
YTD Return-1.03%+15.45%
1Y Return+1.03%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.23%+17.96%
5Y Return (annualized)+2.27%+12.54%
Volatility (annualized)2.1%14.6%
Max Drawdown-6.1%-58.8%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionApr 13, 2016Nov 10, 2006

STOT vs VYM Performance

State Street DoubleLine Short Duration Total Return Tactical ETF (STOT) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STOT returned +1.03% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, STOT is down 1.03% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.

Over three years, STOT compounded at +4.23% per year against +17.96% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.27% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +2.16%. 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 2.1% for STOT. 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 -6.1% for STOT 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

STOT charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STOT currently yields 4.40% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

STOT and VYM share 0 holdings out of 1025 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, STOT or VYM?

STOT has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.

Which performed better, STOT or VYM?

Over the past year STOT returned +1.03% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), STOT annualized +2.16% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, STOT or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.1% for STOT. Worst drawdown: STOT -6.1% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both STOT and VYM?

STOT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between STOT and VYM?

STOT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1025 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, STOT or VYM?

STOT yields 4.40% while VYM yields 2.86%, so STOT currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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