BSMC vs VYM
Brandes US Small-Mid Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BSMC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSMC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.71% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $172M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.93% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 68 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +16.15% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.95% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Brandes Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BSMC vs VYM Performance
Brandes US Small-Mid Cap Value ETF (BSMC) is a ETF from Brandes Investment Partners and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSMC returned +28.95% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, BSMC is up 16.15% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.3% for BSMC. 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 -19.1% for BSMC 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSMC charges 0.71% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $71 vs $4 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSMC currently yields 0.93% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BSMC and VYM share 27 holdings out of 601 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSMC or VYM?
BSMC has an expense ratio of 0.71% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSMC or VYM?
Over the past year BSMC returned +28.95% vs +25.99% for VYM, so BSMC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BSMC annualized +18.28% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSMC or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.3% for BSMC. Worst drawdown: BSMC -19.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BSMC and VYM?
BSMC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BSMC and VYM?
BSMC and VYM share 27 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 601 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSMC or VYM?
BSMC yields 0.93% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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