SJB vs VYM
ProShares Short High Yield vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, SJB or VYM?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.74, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SJB | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $46M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.61% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 6 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +1.54% | +10.23%Best |
| 1Y Return | +2.12% | +14.28%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -2.69% | +17.50%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.19% | +11.60%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.2%Best | 13.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -59.7% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,905 | $17,311Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Debt | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 22, 2011 to Sep 23, 2026 (15.5 years).
SJB vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.5 years both funds cover.
SJB vs VYM Performance
ProShares Short High Yield (SJB) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SJB returned +2.12% while VYM returned +14.28%. Year to date, SJB is up 1.54% versus a gain of 10.23% for VYM.
Over three years, SJB compounded at -2.69% per year against +17.50% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.19% and +11.60% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.77% annualized vs -5.21%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.0% compared with 7.2% for SJB. 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 -59.7% for SJB and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.74. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SJB charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SJB currently yields 3.61% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in SJB and 557 in VYM, totalling 96.3% and 99.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in SJB and 557 in VYM, against full books of 6 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SJB and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SJB or VYM?
SJB has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $91 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SJB or VYM?
Over the past year SJB returned +2.12% vs +14.28% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SJB annualized -5.21% vs +9.77% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SJB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.0% annualized versus 7.2% for SJB. Worst drawdown: SJB -59.7% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both SJB and VYM?
SJB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.74, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SJB or VYM?
SJB yields 3.61% while VYM yields 2.22%, so SJB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than SJB?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.74, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.