SEMI vs VYM
Columbia Select Technology ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SEMI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEMI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $40M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.39% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 37 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +24.81% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.02% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +27.63% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 29.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 29, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SEMI vs VYM Performance
Columbia Select Technology ETF (SEMI) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEMI returned +37.02% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SEMI is up 24.81% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, SEMI compounded at +27.63% per year against +18.29% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, SEMI has the edge at +18.11% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEMI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 29.1% 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 -32.9% for SEMI 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
SEMI charges 0.75% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $4 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEMI currently yields 3.39% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SEMI and VYM share 6 holdings out of 587 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SEMI or VYM?
SEMI has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEMI or VYM?
Over the past year SEMI returned +37.02% vs +25.99% for VYM, so SEMI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SEMI annualized +18.11% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEMI or VYM?
SEMI has been the more volatile fund at 29.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SEMI -32.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SEMI and VYM?
SEMI 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 SEMI and VYM?
SEMI and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 9.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 587 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEMI or VYM?
SEMI yields 3.39% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SEMI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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