HYMB vs VYM
State Street SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. HYMB offers more diversification with 1005 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYMB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.51% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,800 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +2.39% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.33% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.46% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.00% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 13, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HYMB vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Nuveen ICE High Yield Municipal Bond ETF (HYMB) 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 HYMB returned +7.33% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, HYMB is up 2.39% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, HYMB compounded at +4.46% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.00% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +1.39%. 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 7.3% for HYMB. 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 -29.8% for HYMB 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYMB 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, HYMB currently yields 4.51% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HYMB and VYM share 1 holdings out of 1562 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HYMB | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DUK | 0.09% | 0.45% | 0.36% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HYMB or VYM?
HYMB has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYMB or VYM?
Over the past year HYMB returned +7.33% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), HYMB annualized +1.39% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYMB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.3% for HYMB. Worst drawdown: HYMB -29.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HYMB and VYM?
HYMB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYMB and VYM?
HYMB and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1562 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYMB or VYM?
HYMB yields 4.51% while VYM yields 2.86%, so HYMB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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