SEA vs VYM
US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SEA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $16M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.17% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +37.50% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +43.24% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.26% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ETF Series Solutions | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SEA vs VYM Performance
US Global Sea to Sky Cargo ETF (SEA) is a ETF from ETF Series Solutions and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEA returned +43.24% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, SEA is up 37.50% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, SEA compounded at +22.26% per year against +18.72% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, SEA has the edge at +11.35% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.8% 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 -39.5% for SEA 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SEA charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEA currently yields 5.17% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SEA and VYM share 3 holdings out of 630 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SEA or VYM?
SEA has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEA or VYM?
Over the past year SEA returned +43.24% vs +22.16% for VYM, so SEA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SEA annualized +11.35% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEA or VYM?
SEA has been the more volatile fund at 24.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SEA -39.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SEA and VYM?
SEA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SEA and VYM?
SEA and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 630 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEA or VYM?
SEA yields 5.17% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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