SETM vs VYM
Sprott Critical Materials ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SETM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SETM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $588M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.58% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 127 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.99% | +14.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.75% | +20.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +28.63% | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SETM vs VYM Performance
Sprott Critical Materials ETF (SETM) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SETM returned +63.75% while VYM returned +20.88%. Year to date, SETM is up 14.99% versus a gain of 14.84% for VYM.
Over three years, SETM compounded at +28.63% per year against +18.34% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, SETM has the edge at +18.61% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SETM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.5% 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 -41.8% for SETM 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SETM charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SETM currently yields 1.58% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SETM or VYM?
SETM has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SETM or VYM?
Over the past year SETM returned +63.75% vs +20.88% for VYM, so SETM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), SETM annualized +18.61% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SETM or VYM?
SETM has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SETM -41.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SETM and VYM?
SETM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SETM and VYM?
SETM and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 756 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SETM or VYM?
SETM yields 1.58% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.