QWLD vs VYM
State Street SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QWLD offers more diversification with 1248 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QWLD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $173M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.73% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,297 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.27% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.70% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.14% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.24% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QWLD vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI World StrategicFactors ETF (QWLD) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QWLD returned +18.70% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, QWLD is up 12.27% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, QWLD compounded at +17.14% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.24% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, QWLD has the edge at +9.27% annualized vs +7.11%. 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 12.6% for QWLD. 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 -31.9% for QWLD 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
QWLD charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QWLD currently yields 1.73% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QWLD and VYM share 216 holdings out of 1590 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QWLD or VYM?
QWLD has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QWLD or VYM?
Over the past year QWLD returned +18.70% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QWLD annualized +9.27% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QWLD or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.6% for QWLD. Worst drawdown: QWLD -31.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QWLD and VYM?
QWLD 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 QWLD and VYM?
QWLD and VYM share 216 common holdings with a 29.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1590 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QWLD or VYM?
QWLD yields 1.73% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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