SJLD vs VYM
SanJac Alpha Low Duration 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SJLD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.41% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +2.74% | +15.29% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.88% | +22.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.81% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.14% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.8% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SanJac Alpha | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 9, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SJLD vs VYM Performance
SanJac Alpha Low Duration ETF (SJLD) is a ETF from SanJac Alpha and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SJLD returned +3.88% while VYM returned +22.23%. Year to date, SJLD is up 2.74% versus a gain of 15.29% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 1.8% for SJLD. 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 -1.0% for SJLD 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 0.00. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SJLD charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SJLD currently yields 4.41% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SJLD and VYM share 0 holdings out of 611 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, SJLD or VYM?
SJLD has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SJLD or VYM?
Over the past year SJLD returned +3.88% vs +22.23% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SJLD annualized +5.65% vs +7.02% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SJLD or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 1.8% for SJLD. Worst drawdown: SJLD -1.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SJLD and VYM?
SJLD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.00, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SJLD and VYM?
SJLD and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SJLD or VYM?
SJLD yields 4.41% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SJLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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