INKM vs VYM
State Street Income Allocation ETF 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INKM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $75M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.78% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.48% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.10% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.06% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.55% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 25, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
INKM vs VYM Performance
State Street Income Allocation ETF (INKM) 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 INKM returned +11.10% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, INKM is up 7.48% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, INKM compounded at +11.06% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.55% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +2.86%. 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 9.4% for INKM. 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 INKM 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INKM charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INKM currently yields 4.78% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
INKM and VYM share 0 holdings out of 618 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, INKM or VYM?
INKM has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INKM or VYM?
Over the past year INKM returned +11.10% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), INKM annualized +2.86% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INKM or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.4% for INKM. Worst drawdown: INKM -28.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both INKM and VYM?
INKM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INKM and VYM?
INKM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 618 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INKM or VYM?
INKM yields 4.78% while VYM yields 2.24%, so INKM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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