SIMS vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures 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 | SIMS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $9M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.56% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.68% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.59% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.81% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.14% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SIMS vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Intelligent Structures ETF (SIMS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SIMS returned +20.59% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, SIMS is up 7.68% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, SIMS compounded at +10.81% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.14% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +5.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SIMS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.7% 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 -44.0% for SIMS 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SIMS charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SIMS currently yields 0.56% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SIMS and VYM share 11 holdings out of 646 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SIMS or VYM?
SIMS has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SIMS or VYM?
Over the past year SIMS returned +20.59% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SIMS annualized +5.77% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SIMS or VYM?
SIMS has been the more volatile fund at 24.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SIMS -44.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SIMS and VYM?
SIMS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SIMS and VYM?
SIMS and VYM share 11 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 646 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SIMS or VYM?
SIMS yields 0.56% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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