LITL vs VYM
Simplify Piper Sandler US Small-Cap PLUS 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LITL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.91% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.66% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 171 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +16.18% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.33% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 28, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
LITL vs VYM Performance
Simplify Piper Sandler US Small-Cap PLUS Income ETF (LITL) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LITL returned +21.33% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, LITL is up 16.18% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LITL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% compared with 14.5% 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 -9.3% for LITL 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LITL charges 0.91% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $91 vs $4 annually, a gap of $87 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LITL currently yields 1.66% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
LITL and VYM share 14 holdings out of 729 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LITL or VYM?
LITL has an expense ratio of 0.91% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $87 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LITL or VYM?
Over the past year LITL returned +21.33% vs +21.39% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), LITL annualized +26.45% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LITL or VYM?
LITL has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: LITL -9.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both LITL and VYM?
LITL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LITL and VYM?
LITL and VYM share 14 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 729 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LITL or VYM?
LITL yields 1.66% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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