Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLSSTVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.04%
AUM$15M$79.0B
Dividend Yield4.59%2.86%
Holdings235568
YTD Return+4.89%+15.80%
1Y Return+7.37%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+2.14%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+2.47%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)2.4%14.6%
Max Drawdown-6.2%-58.8%
Fund FamilyNatixis FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
InceptionDec 27, 2017Nov 10, 2006

LSST vs VYM Performance

Natixis Loomis Sayles Short Duration Income ETF (LSST) is a ETF from Natixis Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LSST returned +7.37% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, LSST is up 4.89% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, LSST compounded at +2.14% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.47% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +2.64%. 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 2.4% for LSST. 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 -6.2% for LSST 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

LSST charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LSST currently yields 4.59% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, LSST or VYM?

LSST has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.

Which performed better, LSST or VYM?

Over the past year LSST returned +7.37% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), LSST annualized +2.64% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, LSST or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.4% for LSST. Worst drawdown: LSST -6.2% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both LSST and VYM?

LSST and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, LSST or VYM?

LSST yields 4.59% while VYM yields 2.86%, so LSST currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.