DSM vs VYM
BNY Mellon Strategic Municipal Bond Fund Inc 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $365M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.47% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 229 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -2.23% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.80% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.27% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.66% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 22, 1989 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DSM vs VYM Performance
BNY Mellon Strategic Municipal Bond Fund Inc (DSM) is a ETF from BNY Mellon Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DSM returned +9.80% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, DSM is down 2.23% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, DSM compounded at +6.27% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -2.66% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs -0.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.8% for DSM. 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 DSM 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSM charges 1.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $109 vs $4 annually, a gap of $105 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSM currently yields 4.47% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DSM and VYM share 0 holdings out of 689 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, DSM or VYM?
DSM has an expense ratio of 1.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $105 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSM or VYM?
Over the past year DSM returned +9.80% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DSM annualized -0.68% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSM or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.8% for DSM. Worst drawdown: DSM -59.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DSM and VYM?
DSM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSM and VYM?
DSM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 689 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSM or VYM?
DSM yields 4.47% while VYM yields 2.86%, so DSM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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