HYD vs VOO
VanEck High Yield Muni ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. HYD offers more diversification with 1,887 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYD | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.5B | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.36% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 1,887 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -1.37% | +14.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.04% | +21.79% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.20% | +22.19% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.08% | +13.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 63.2% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.8% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 4, 2009 | Sep 7, 2010 |
HYD vs VOO Performance
VanEck High Yield Muni ETF (HYD) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HYD returned +4.04% while VOO returned +21.79%. Year to date, HYD is down 1.37% versus a gain of 14.27% for VOO.
Over three years, HYD compounded at +3.20% per year against +22.19% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -1.08% and +13.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +4.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HYD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 63.2% compared with 14.2% for VOO. 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 -56.8% for HYD and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYD charges 0.32% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $3 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYD currently yields 4.36% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
HYD and VOO share 0 holdings out of 517 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, HYD or VOO?
HYD has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYD or VOO?
Over the past year HYD returned +4.04% vs +21.79% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), HYD annualized +4.75% vs +13.59% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYD or VOO?
HYD has been the more volatile fund at 63.2% annualized versus 14.2% for VOO. Worst drawdown: HYD -56.8% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both HYD and VOO?
HYD and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYD and VOO?
HYD and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 517 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYD or VOO?
HYD yields 4.36% while VOO yields 1.08%, so HYD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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