SJNK vs VYM
State Street SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, SJNK or VYM?
High Yield Bond against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
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 | SJNK | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $4.8B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.99% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 1,153 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +1.57% | +12.87%Best |
| 1Y Return | +2.81% | +17.25%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.41% | +17.66%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.60% | +11.98%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.7%Best | 13.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -30.6%Best | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $12,522 | $17,608Best |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | High Yield Bond | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 15, 2012 to Sep 15, 2026 (14.5 years).
SJNK 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 14.5 years both funds cover.
SJNK vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Bloomberg Short Term High Yield Bond ETF (SJNK) is an ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SJNK returned +2.81% while VYM returned +17.25%. Year to date, SJNK is up 1.57% versus a gain of 12.87% for VYM.
Over three years, SJNK compounded at +7.41% per year against +17.66% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.60% and +11.98% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.83% annualized vs +1.07%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.1% compared with 5.7% for SJNK. 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 -30.6% for SJNK 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 usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SJNK charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SJNK currently yields 6.99% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 4 holdings in SJNK and 557 in VYM, totalling 0.8% 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 4 positions we hold weights for in SJNK and 557 in VYM, against full books of 1,153 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SJNK 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, SJNK or VYM?
SJNK has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $36 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SJNK or VYM?
Over the past year SJNK returned +2.81% vs +17.25% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SJNK annualized +1.07% vs +9.83% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SJNK or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.1% annualized versus 5.7% for SJNK. Worst drawdown: SJNK -30.6% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both SJNK and VYM?
SJNK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SJNK or VYM?
SJNK yields 6.99% while VYM yields 2.22%, so SJNK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than SJNK?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.