JNK vs VYM
State Street SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, JNK or VYM?
High Yield Bond against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JNK | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $6.9B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.61% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 1,211 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +1.71% | +13.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +3.65% | +17.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.82% | +17.99%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.27% | +12.16%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8%Best | 14.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -46.2%Best | -57.3% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $11,745 | $17,750Best |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | High Yield Bond | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 4, 2007 to Sep 10, 2026 (18.8 years).
JNK vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 18.8 years both funds cover.
JNK vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg High Yield Bond ETF (JNK) is an ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JNK returned +3.65% while VYM returned +17.82%. Year to date, JNK is up 1.71% versus a gain of 13.15% for VYM.
Over three years, JNK compounded at +7.82% per year against +17.99% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.27% and +12.16% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.15% annualized vs -0.45%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% compared with 10.8% for JNK. 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 -46.2% for JNK and -57.3% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JNK charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JNK currently yields 6.61% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 2 holdings in JNK and 603 in VYM, totalling 0.9% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 2 positions we hold weights for in JNK and 603 in VYM, against full books of 1,211 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of JNK and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JNK or VYM?
JNK has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $36 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, JNK or VYM?
Over the past year JNK returned +3.65% vs +17.82% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), JNK annualized -0.45% vs +7.15% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, JNK or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 10.8% for JNK. Worst drawdown: JNK -46.2% vs VYM -57.3%.
Should I hold both JNK and VYM?
JNK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, JNK or VYM?
JNK yields 6.61% while VYM yields 2.22%, so JNK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than JNK?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.