BSTZ vs VYM
BlackRock Science and Technology Term Trust vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BSTZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BSTZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.05% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.94% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 75 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +38.51% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +61.03% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.45% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.84% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BSTZ vs VYM Performance
BlackRock Science and Technology Term Trust (BSTZ) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BSTZ returned +61.03% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, BSTZ is up 38.51% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, BSTZ compounded at +34.45% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.84% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BSTZ has the edge at +14.96% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BSTZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.8% 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 -59.3% for BSTZ 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BSTZ charges 1.05% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $4 annually, a gap of $101 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BSTZ currently yields 7.94% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BSTZ or VYM?
BSTZ has an expense ratio of 1.05% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $101 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BSTZ or VYM?
Over the past year BSTZ returned +61.03% vs +22.16% for VYM, so BSTZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BSTZ annualized +14.96% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BSTZ or VYM?
BSTZ has been the more volatile fund at 28.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BSTZ -59.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BSTZ and VYM?
BSTZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BSTZ and VYM?
BSTZ and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 656 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BSTZ or VYM?
BSTZ yields 7.94% while VYM yields 2.24%, so BSTZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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