SLNZ vs VYM
TCW Senior Loan 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 | SLNZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.47% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 296 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +2.86% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.99% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | TCW ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SLNZ vs VYM Performance
TCW Senior Loan ETF (SLNZ) is a ETF from TCW ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SLNZ returned +4.99% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, SLNZ is up 2.86% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 1.9% for SLNZ. 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 -2.6% for SLNZ 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 0.08. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLNZ charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLNZ currently yields 7.47% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SLNZ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 731 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, SLNZ or VYM?
SLNZ has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLNZ or VYM?
Over the past year SLNZ returned +4.99% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SLNZ annualized +5.17% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLNZ or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.9% for SLNZ. Worst drawdown: SLNZ -2.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SLNZ and VYM?
SLNZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.08, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SLNZ and VYM?
SLNZ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 731 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLNZ or VYM?
SLNZ yields 7.47% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SLNZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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