SYFI 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

MetricSYFIVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.40%0.04%
AUM$924M$79.0B
Dividend Yield5.29%2.86%
Holdings568568
YTD Return+2.30%+13.24%
1Y Return+5.16%+23.76%
3Y Return (annualized)-+16.97%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.26%
Volatility (annualized)2.4%14.6%
Max Drawdown-4.8%-58.8%
Fund FamilyAllianceBernstein L.P.Vanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionJun 10, 2024Nov 10, 2006

SYFI vs VYM Performance

AB Short Duration High Yield ETF (SYFI) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SYFI returned +5.16% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, SYFI is up 2.30% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 2.4% for SYFI. 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 -4.8% for SYFI 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SYFI charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SYFI currently yields 5.29% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SYFI and VYM share 1 holdings out of 923 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in SYFIWeight in VYMDifference
C0.02%0.81%0.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SYFI or VYM?

SYFI has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SYFI or VYM?

Over the past year SYFI returned +5.16% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SYFI annualized +6.57% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SYFI or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.4% for SYFI. Worst drawdown: SYFI -4.8% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both SYFI and VYM?

SYFI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SYFI and VYM?

SYFI and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 923 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SYFI or VYM?

SYFI yields 5.29% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SYFI currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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