PSF vs VYM
Cohen & Steers Select Preferred and Income Fund Inc. 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2,687.94 | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.02% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 332 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -0.49% | +15.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.42% | +22.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.78% | +19.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.22% | +12.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Cohen & Steers Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 24, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PSF vs VYM Performance
Cohen & Steers Select Preferred and Income Fund Inc. (PSF) is a ETF from Cohen & Steers Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PSF returned +1.42% while VYM returned +22.36%. Year to date, PSF is down 0.49% versus a gain of 15.42% for VYM.
Over three years, PSF compounded at +10.78% per year against +19.06% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.22% and +12.20% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +1.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 14.6% 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 -55.4% for PSF 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSF charges 1.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $159 vs $4 annually, a gap of $155 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSF currently yields 7.02% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PSF and VYM share 5 holdings out of 784 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSF or VYM?
PSF has an expense ratio of 1.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $155 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSF or VYM?
Over the past year PSF returned +1.42% vs +22.36% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PSF annualized +1.14% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSF or VYM?
PSF has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PSF -55.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PSF and VYM?
PSF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PSF and VYM?
PSF and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 784 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSF or VYM?
PSF yields 7.02% while VYM yields 2.24%, so PSF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.