SDG vs VYM
iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals 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 | SDG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $168M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.69% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 147 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.02% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.46% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.87% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.19% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 20, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SDG vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Global Sustainable Development Goals ETF (SDG) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDG returned +16.46% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, SDG is up 8.02% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, SDG compounded at +6.87% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.19% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SDG has the edge at +7.39% annualized vs +7.09%. 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 14.4% for SDG. 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 -30.4% for SDG 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDG charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDG currently yields 1.69% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SDG or VYM?
SDG has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDG or VYM?
Over the past year SDG returned +16.46% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SDG annualized +7.39% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.4% for SDG. Worst drawdown: SDG -30.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SDG and VYM?
SDG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDG and VYM?
SDG and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 673 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDG or VYM?
SDG yields 1.69% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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