DSMC vs VYM
Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DSMC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSMC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $140M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.13% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 152 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +22.30% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.02% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.67% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Distillate Capital Etfs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 5, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DSMC vs VYM Performance
Distillate Small/Mid Cash Flow ETF (DSMC) is a ETF from Distillate Capital Etfs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DSMC returned +30.02% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, DSMC is up 22.30% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, DSMC compounded at +12.67% per year against +18.43% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, DSMC has the edge at +12.31% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSMC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -28.6% for DSMC 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSMC charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSMC currently yields 1.13% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DSMC and VYM share 44 holdings out of 665 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DSMC or VYM?
DSMC has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSMC or VYM?
Over the past year DSMC returned +30.02% vs +26.05% for VYM, so DSMC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DSMC annualized +12.31% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSMC or VYM?
DSMC has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DSMC -28.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DSMC and VYM?
DSMC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DSMC and VYM?
DSMC and VYM share 44 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 665 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSMC or VYM?
DSMC yields 1.13% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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