CSA vs VYM
VictoryShares US Small Cap Volatility Wtd ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, CSA or VYM?
Small Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. CSA led over the full window, VYM over 1Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CSA | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $20M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 507 | 613 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.5% | 14.7%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 9.8 years | $21,648Best | $20,650 |
| Fund Family | Victory Capital Management Inc. | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Small Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jul 7, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 499 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. CSA has data through Apr 23, 2025 and VYM through Sep 4, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 9.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 8, 2015 to Apr 23, 2025 (9.8 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% compared with 14.7% 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 -42.4% for CSA and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CSA charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CSA currently yields 1.50% against 2.24% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of CSA and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CSA or VYM?
CSA has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $31 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, CSA or VYM?
CSA has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 14.7% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CSA -42.4% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both CSA and VYM?
CSA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, CSA or VYM?
CSA yields 1.50% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than CSA?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. CSA led over the full window, VYM over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.