STOX vs VYM
Horizon Core Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, STOX or VYM?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | STOX | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $243M | $95.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 2.23% |
| Holdings | 174 | 610 |
| YTD Return | +12.03% | +15.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.43% | +19.62%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.64% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.48% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.1% | 10.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -6.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.4 years | $12,626 | $12,899Best |
| Fund Family | Horizon Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.4 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 26, 2025 to Nov 13, 2026 (1.4 years).
STOX vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 1.4 years both funds cover.
STOX vs VYM Performance
Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) is an ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STOX returned +14.43% while VYM returned +19.62%. Year to date, STOX is up 12.03% versus a gain of 15.95% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STOX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 11.1% compared with 10.3% 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 -9.3% for STOX and -6.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.52. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STOX charges 0.70% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $4 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STOX currently yields 0.17% against 2.23% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of STOX and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, STOX or VYM?
STOX has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $66 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, STOX or VYM?
Over the past year STOX returned +14.43% vs +19.62% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), STOX annualized +18.12% vs +19.94% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, STOX or VYM?
STOX has been the more volatile fund at 11.1% annualized versus 10.3% for VYM. Worst drawdown: STOX -9.3% vs VYM -6.7%.
Should I hold both STOX and VYM?
STOX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, STOX or VYM?
STOX yields 0.17% while VYM yields 2.23%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than STOX?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.