LFDR vs VYM
LFDR vs VYM
LifeX Durable Income 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LFDR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $822,715.73 | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.50% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -5.52% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.84% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Stone Ridge Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 8, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
LFDR vs VYM Performance
LifeX Durable Income ETF (LFDR) is a ETF from Stone Ridge Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LFDR returned -3.84% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, LFDR is down 5.52% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 8.2% for LFDR. 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 -9.3% for LFDR 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 0.19. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LFDR charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LFDR currently yields 8.50% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
LFDR and VYM share 0 holdings out of 572 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LFDR or VYM?
LFDR has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LFDR or VYM?
Over the past year LFDR returned -3.84% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LFDR annualized -1.41% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LFDR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 8.2% for LFDR. Worst drawdown: LFDR -9.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both LFDR and VYM?
LFDR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.19, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LFDR and VYM?
LFDR and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 572 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LFDR or VYM?
LFDR yields 8.50% while VYM yields 2.86%, so LFDR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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