JSMD vs VYM
Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha 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 | JSMD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.44% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 123 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +16.39% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.05% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.67% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.51% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Janus Henderson Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 23, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JSMD vs VYM Performance
Janus Henderson Small/Mid Cap Growth Alpha ETF (JSMD) is a ETF from Janus Henderson Investors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JSMD returned +20.05% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, JSMD is up 16.39% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, JSMD compounded at +17.67% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.51% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, JSMD has the edge at +13.85% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JSMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.2% 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 -39.0% for JSMD 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JSMD charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JSMD currently yields 0.44% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
JSMD and VYM share 18 holdings out of 706 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JSMD or VYM?
JSMD has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JSMD or VYM?
Over the past year JSMD returned +20.05% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), JSMD annualized +13.85% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JSMD or VYM?
JSMD has been the more volatile fund at 20.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: JSMD -39.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JSMD and VYM?
JSMD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JSMD and VYM?
JSMD and VYM share 18 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 706 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JSMD or VYM?
JSMD yields 0.44% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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