BST vs VYM
BlackRock Science and Technology Trust vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BST delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BST | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.73% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 88 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +25.01% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.03% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.87% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.26% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 29, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BST vs VYM Performance
BlackRock Science and Technology Trust (BST) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BST returned +37.03% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BST is up 25.01% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, BST compounded at +22.87% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.26% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, BST has the edge at +12.39% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% compared with 14.6% 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 -46.6% for BST 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BST charges 1.00% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $4 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BST currently yields 7.73% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BST or VYM?
BST has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BST or VYM?
Over the past year BST returned +37.03% vs +26.12% for VYM, so BST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BST annualized +12.39% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BST or VYM?
BST has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BST -46.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BST and VYM?
BST and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BST and VYM?
BST and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 6.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 603 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BST or VYM?
BST yields 7.73% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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