VYM vs XYLD
VYM vs XYLD
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XYLD | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.60% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $3.2B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 10.37% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 507 | |
| YTD Return | +13.24% | +7.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.76% | +17.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.97% | +11.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.26% | +7.74% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 11.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -34.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Global X by mirae Asset | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jun 21, 2013 |
VYM vs XYLD Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Global X S&P 500 Covered Call ETF (XYLD) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset. Over the past year VYM returned +23.76% while XYLD returned +17.92%. Year to date, VYM is up 13.24% versus a gain of 7.81% for XYLD.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +16.97% per year against +11.27% for XYLD; over five years the annualized figures are +12.26% and +7.74% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.96% annualized vs +4.89%. 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 11.2% for XYLD. 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 -58.8% for VYM and -34.7% for XYLD. 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XYLD charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $60 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 10.37% for XYLD.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XYLD share 226 holdings out of 825 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VYM | Weight in XYLD | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 6.47% | 3.33% | 3.14% |
| JPM | 3.36% | 1.32% | 2.04% |
| XOM | 2.83% | 1.02% | 1.81% |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VYM shares with XYLD 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, VYM or XYLD?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XYLD charges 0.60%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XYLD?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.76% vs +17.92% for XYLD, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), VYM annualized +6.96% vs +4.89% for XYLD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XYLD?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.2% for XYLD. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XYLD -34.7%.
Should I hold both VYM and XYLD?
VYM and XYLD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XYLD?
VYM and XYLD share 226 common holdings with a 34.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 825 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XYLD?
VYM yields 2.86% while XYLD yields 10.37%, so XYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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