SILJ vs VYM
Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SILJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SILJ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +7.25% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +75.92% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +47.26% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.34% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SILJ vs VYM Performance
Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SILJ returned +75.92% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, SILJ is up 7.25% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, SILJ compounded at +47.26% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +17.34% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +3.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SILJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.8% 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 -79.0% for SILJ 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 0.33. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SILJ charges 0.69% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $4 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SILJ currently yields 2.14% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SILJ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 625 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, SILJ or VYM?
SILJ has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SILJ or VYM?
Over the past year SILJ returned +75.92% vs +24.43% for VYM, so SILJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SILJ annualized +3.47% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SILJ or VYM?
SILJ has been the more volatile fund at 47.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SILJ -79.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SILJ and VYM?
SILJ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.33, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SILJ and VYM?
SILJ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 625 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SILJ or VYM?
SILJ yields 2.14% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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