SHYD vs VYM
VanEck Short High Yield Muni 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SHYD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $450M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.63% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 541 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -0.79% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.42% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.85% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.27% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 13, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SHYD vs VYM Performance
VanEck Short High Yield Muni ETF (SHYD) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SHYD returned +1.42% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, SHYD is down 0.79% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, SHYD compounded at +3.85% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.27% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +2.08%. 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 5.7% for SHYD. 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 -31.2% for SHYD 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SHYD charges 0.32% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $4 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SHYD currently yields 3.63% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SHYD and VYM share 0 holdings out of 610 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, SHYD or VYM?
SHYD has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SHYD or VYM?
Over the past year SHYD returned +1.42% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SHYD annualized +2.08% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SHYD or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.7% for SHYD. Worst drawdown: SHYD -31.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SHYD and VYM?
SHYD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SHYD and VYM?
SHYD and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 610 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SHYD or VYM?
SHYD yields 3.63% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SHYD 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.