ISPY vs VYM
ProShares S&P 500 High Income 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 | ISPY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.66% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 512 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +5.65% | +15.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.28% | +22.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ISPY vs VYM Performance
ProShares S&P 500 High Income ETF (ISPY) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISPY returned +12.28% while VYM returned +22.36%. Year to date, ISPY is up 5.65% versus a gain of 15.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.5% 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 -18.4% for ISPY 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISPY charges 0.56% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $4 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISPY currently yields 4.66% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ISPY and VYM share 240 holdings out of 867 unique holdings combined, representing a 27.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISPY or VYM?
ISPY has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISPY or VYM?
Over the past year ISPY returned +12.28% vs +22.36% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ISPY annualized +7.55% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISPY or VYM?
ISPY has been the more volatile fund at 15.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ISPY -18.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ISPY and VYM?
ISPY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISPY and VYM?
ISPY and VYM share 240 common holdings with a 27.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 867 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISPY or VYM?
ISPY yields 4.66% while VYM yields 2.24%, so ISPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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