KXI vs VYM
iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, KXI or VYM?
VYM has been ahead.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 49.5%.
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 | KXI | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $1.1B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.35% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 112 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +5.02% | +13.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +5.09% | +17.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.77% | +17.99%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.02% | +12.16%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.8%Best | 14.5% |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9%Best | -58.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,178 | $17,750Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 49.5% | 25.9%Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 16, 2006 to Sep 10, 2026 (19.8 years).
KXI 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 19.8 years both funds cover.
KXI vs VYM Performance
iShares Global Consumer Staples ETF (KXI) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KXI returned +5.09% while VYM returned +17.82%. Year to date, KXI is up 5.02% versus a gain of 13.15% for VYM.
Over three years, KXI compounded at +6.77% per year against +17.99% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.02% and +12.16% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.91% annualized vs +5.60%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 12.8% for KXI. 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 -43.9% for KXI and -58.8% 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KXI charges 0.38% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $4 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KXI currently yields 2.35% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
39.8% of KXI's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 7.8% of VYM's money is in holdings KXI also owns.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
27 positions in common, counted across the 94 positions we hold weights for in KXI and 603 in VYM, against full books of 112 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 541 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for KXI (89.7% of the fund), and 10 for KXI that do not appear in VYM (20.0%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in KXI | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PGProcter & Gamble Company | 5.96% | 1.42% | 4.54% |
| KOCoca Cola Co. | 4.46% | 1.31% | 3.15% |
| PMPhilip Morris International Inc. | 4.54% | 1.17% | 3.37% |
| PEPPepsico Inc. | 4.46% | 0.77% | 3.69% |
| MOAltria Group Inc. | 3.18% | 0.50% | 2.68% |
| MDLZMondelez International Inc. Class A | 2.01% | 0.31% | 1.70% |
| CLColgate-Palmolive Co | 1.98% | 0.30% | 1.68% |
| TGTTarget Corp. | 1.51% | 0.25% | 1.26% |
| KDPKeurig Dr Pepper Inc. | 1.14% | 0.18% | 0.96% |
| SYYSysco Corp. | 1.07% | 0.17% | 0.90% |
39.8% of KXI is already inside VYM.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KXI or VYM?
KXI has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $34 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, KXI or VYM?
Over the past year KXI returned +5.09% vs +17.82% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), KXI annualized +5.60% vs +6.91% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, KXI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 12.8% for KXI. Worst drawdown: KXI -43.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KXI and VYM?
KXI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between KXI and VYM?
39.8% of KXI's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 7.8% of VYM's is in holdings KXI also owns. They hold 27 positions in common, counted across the 94 positions we hold weights for in KXI and 603 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, KXI or VYM?
KXI yields 2.35% while VYM yields 2.22%, so KXI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than KXI?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 49.5%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.