ESIX vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ESIX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESIX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $8M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.44% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 435 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +9.97% | +14.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.07% | +20.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.75% | +18.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.6% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ESIX vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P SmallCap 600 ESG ETF (ESIX) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESIX returned +21.07% while VYM returned +20.67%. Year to date, ESIX is up 9.97% versus a gain of 14.18% for VYM.
Over three years, ESIX compounded at +13.75% per year against +18.47% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.97% annualized vs +4.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ESIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.6% compared with 14.5% 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 -28.1% for ESIX 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESIX charges 0.12% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $4 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESIX currently yields 1.44% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ESIX and VYM share 89 holdings out of 894 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESIX or VYM?
ESIX has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESIX or VYM?
Over the past year ESIX returned +21.07% vs +20.67% for VYM, so ESIX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), ESIX annualized +4.96% vs +6.97% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESIX or VYM?
ESIX has been the more volatile fund at 20.6% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ESIX -28.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ESIX and VYM?
ESIX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESIX and VYM?
ESIX and VYM share 89 common holdings with a 1.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 894 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESIX or VYM?
ESIX yields 1.44% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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