LGLV vs VYM
State Street SPDR US Large Cap Low Volatility Index 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 | LGLV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.05% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 174 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.28% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.68% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.57% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.26% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 20, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
LGLV vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR US Large Cap Low Volatility Index ETF (LGLV) 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 LGLV returned +9.68% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, LGLV is up 8.28% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, LGLV compounded at +12.57% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.26% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, LGLV has the edge at +9.81% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.9% for LGLV. 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 -37.0% for LGLV 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LGLV charges 0.12% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $4 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LGLV currently yields 2.05% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
LGLV and VYM share 71 holdings out of 659 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LGLV or VYM?
LGLV has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LGLV or VYM?
Over the past year LGLV returned +9.68% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), LGLV annualized +9.81% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LGLV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.9% for LGLV. Worst drawdown: LGLV -37.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both LGLV and VYM?
LGLV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between LGLV and VYM?
LGLV and VYM share 71 common holdings with a 21.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 659 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LGLV or VYM?
LGLV yields 2.05% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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