TOTL 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

MetricTOTLVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.55%0.04%
AUM$4.1B$79.0B
Dividend Yield5.27%2.86%
Holdings1,529568
YTD Return-1.58%+13.82%
1Y Return+1.08%+24.08%
3Y Return (annualized)+4.00%+17.72%
5Y Return (annualized)+0.11%+12.13%
Volatility (annualized)4.5%14.6%
Max Drawdown-18.0%-58.8%
Fund FamilyState Street Investment ManagementVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionFeb 23, 2015Nov 10, 2006

TOTL vs VYM Performance

State Street DoubleLine Total Return Tactical ETF (TOTL) 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 TOTL returned +1.08% while VYM returned +24.08%. Year to date, TOTL is down 1.58% versus a gain of 13.82% for VYM.

Over three years, TOTL compounded at +4.00% per year against +17.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.11% and +12.13% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs -0.10%. 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 4.5% for TOTL. 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 -18.0% for TOTL 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

TOTL charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TOTL currently yields 5.27% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

TOTL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 695 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, TOTL or VYM?

TOTL has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.

Which performed better, TOTL or VYM?

Over the past year TOTL returned +1.08% vs +24.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), TOTL annualized -0.10% vs +6.98% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, TOTL or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.5% for TOTL. Worst drawdown: TOTL -18.0% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both TOTL and VYM?

TOTL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between TOTL and VYM?

TOTL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 695 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, TOTL or VYM?

TOTL yields 5.27% while VYM yields 2.86%, so TOTL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →