SCIO vs VYM
SCIO vs VYM
First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities 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 | SCIO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $498M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.03% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +2.27% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.71% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SCIO vs VYM Performance
First Trust Structured Credit Income Opportunities ETF (SCIO) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SCIO returned +4.71% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, SCIO is up 2.27% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 2.5% for SCIO. 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 -1.7% for SCIO 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SCIO charges 0.70% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $4 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SCIO currently yields 6.03% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SCIO and VYM share 0 holdings out of 596 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SCIO or VYM?
SCIO has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SCIO or VYM?
Over the past year SCIO returned +4.71% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SCIO annualized +7.47% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SCIO or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.5% for SCIO. Worst drawdown: SCIO -1.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SCIO and VYM?
SCIO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SCIO and VYM?
SCIO and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 596 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SCIO or VYM?
SCIO yields 6.03% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SCIO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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