LEAD vs VYM
Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend 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 | LEAD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.43% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $72M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.55% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.78% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.19% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.43% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.00% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SRN Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 6, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
LEAD vs VYM Performance
Siren DIVCON Leaders Dividend ETF (LEAD) is a ETF from SRN Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LEAD returned +19.19% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, LEAD is up 11.78% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, LEAD compounded at +15.43% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.00% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, LEAD has the edge at +13.67% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LEAD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.7% 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 -32.2% for LEAD 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LEAD charges 0.43% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $43 vs $4 annually, a gap of $39 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LEAD currently yields 0.55% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
LEAD and VYM share 18 holdings out of 638 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LEAD or VYM?
LEAD has an expense ratio of 0.43% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $39 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LEAD or VYM?
Over the past year LEAD returned +19.19% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), LEAD annualized +13.67% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LEAD or VYM?
LEAD has been the more volatile fund at 15.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: LEAD -32.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both LEAD and VYM?
LEAD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LEAD and VYM?
LEAD and VYM share 18 common holdings with a 12.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 638 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LEAD or VYM?
LEAD yields 0.55% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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