LST vs VYM
Leuthold Select Industries ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. LST delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | LST | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $179M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.17% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +17.86% | +14.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.06% | +20.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Leuthold Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 19, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
LST vs VYM Performance
Leuthold Select Industries ETF (LST) is a ETF from Leuthold Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LST returned +27.06% while VYM returned +20.67%. Year to date, LST is up 17.86% versus a gain of 14.18% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 14.2% for LST. 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 -19.5% for LST 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LST charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LST currently yields 1.17% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
LST and VYM share 48 holdings out of 674 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LST or VYM?
LST has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LST or VYM?
Over the past year LST returned +27.06% vs +20.67% for VYM, so LST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LST annualized +21.75% vs +6.97% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LST or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 14.2% for LST. Worst drawdown: LST -19.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both LST and VYM?
LST and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LST and VYM?
LST and VYM share 48 common holdings with a 17.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 674 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LST or VYM?
LST yields 1.17% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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