MDST vs VYM
Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream 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 | MDST | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $285M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.20% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 118 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.29% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.37% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Westwood Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 8, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MDST vs VYM Performance
Westwood Salient Enhanced Midstream Income ETF (MDST) is a ETF from Westwood Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MDST returned +21.37% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, MDST is up 17.29% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.8% for MDST. 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 -14.2% for MDST 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MDST charges 0.80% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $4 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDST currently yields 10.20% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MDST and VYM share 6 holdings out of 574 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MDST or VYM?
MDST has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MDST or VYM?
Over the past year MDST returned +21.37% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MDST annualized +18.50% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MDST or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.8% for MDST. Worst drawdown: MDST -14.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MDST and VYM?
MDST and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MDST and VYM?
MDST and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 574 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MDST or VYM?
MDST yields 10.20% while VYM yields 2.86%, so MDST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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