SAMM vs VYM
Strategas Macro Momentum 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 | SAMM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.66% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $29M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.96% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +6.33% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.54% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Strategas Asset Management, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SAMM vs VYM Performance
Strategas Macro Momentum ETF (SAMM) is a ETF from Strategas Asset Management, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SAMM returned +17.54% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, SAMM is up 6.33% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SAMM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% 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 -24.6% for SAMM 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SAMM charges 0.66% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $66 vs $4 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SAMM currently yields 0.96% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SAMM and VYM share 11 holdings out of 581 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SAMM or VYM?
SAMM has an expense ratio of 0.66% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SAMM or VYM?
Over the past year SAMM returned +17.54% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SAMM annualized +12.64% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SAMM or VYM?
SAMM has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SAMM -24.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SAMM and VYM?
SAMM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SAMM and VYM?
SAMM and VYM share 11 common holdings with a 5.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 581 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SAMM or VYM?
SAMM yields 0.96% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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