QUS vs VYM
State Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QUS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.28% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 529 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.86% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.57% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.17% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.95% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 15, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QUS vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI USA StrategicFactors ETF (QUS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QUS returned +18.57% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, QUS is up 12.86% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, QUS compounded at +18.17% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.95% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, QUS has the edge at +11.76% annualized vs +7.01%. 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 13.9% for QUS. 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 -33.8% for QUS 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QUS charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QUS currently yields 1.28% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QUS and VYM share 232 holdings out of 897 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QUS or VYM?
QUS has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QUS or VYM?
Over the past year QUS returned +18.57% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), QUS annualized +11.76% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QUS or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.9% for QUS. Worst drawdown: QUS -33.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QUS and VYM?
QUS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between QUS and VYM?
QUS and VYM share 232 common holdings with a 39.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 897 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QUS or VYM?
QUS yields 1.28% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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