KBE vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P Bank 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KBE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.11% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +12.10% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.63% | +21.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.45% | +18.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.21% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 8, 2005 | Nov 10, 2006 |
KBE vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Bank ETF (KBE) 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 KBE returned +14.63% while VYM returned +21.08%. Year to date, KBE is up 12.10% versus a gain of 14.57% for VYM.
Over three years, KBE compounded at +22.45% per year against +18.16% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.21% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.99% annualized vs +2.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KBE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.7% 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 -84.6% for KBE 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KBE 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, KBE currently yields 2.11% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
KBE and VYM share 81 holdings out of 626 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KBE or VYM?
KBE 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, KBE or VYM?
Over the past year KBE returned +14.63% vs +21.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), KBE annualized +2.06% vs +6.99% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KBE or VYM?
KBE has been the more volatile fund at 26.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: KBE -84.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KBE and VYM?
KBE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KBE and VYM?
KBE and VYM share 81 common holdings with a 8.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 626 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KBE or VYM?
KBE yields 2.11% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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