BXSL vs VYM
Blackstone Secured Lending Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BXSL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 11.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | - | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +0.38% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -4.46% | +21.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.28% | +18.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | The Blackstone Group Inc | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BXSL vs VYM Performance
Blackstone Secured Lending Fund (BXSL) is a ETF from The Blackstone Group Inc and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BXSL returned -4.46% while VYM returned +21.08%. Year to date, BXSL is up 0.38% versus a gain of 14.57% for VYM.
Over three years, BXSL compounded at +7.28% per year against +18.16% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, BXSL has the edge at +8.88% annualized vs +6.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BXSL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -36.8% for BXSL 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BXSL charges 11.03% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $1103 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1099 per year that compounds over a long holding period.
Holdings Overlap
BXSL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 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, BXSL or VYM?
BXSL has an expense ratio of 11.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1099 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BXSL or VYM?
Over the past year BXSL returned -4.46% vs +21.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BXSL annualized +8.88% vs +6.99% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BXSL or VYM?
BXSL has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BXSL -36.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BXSL and VYM?
BXSL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BXSL and VYM?
BXSL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
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