SLQD vs VYM
iShares 0-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SLQD offers more diversification with 3,046 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLQD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.31% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3,046 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.13% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.05% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.50% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.63% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 15, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SLQD vs VYM Performance
iShares 0-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (SLQD) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SLQD returned +3.05% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, SLQD is up 1.13% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, SLQD compounded at +5.50% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.63% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +1.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 2.3% for SLQD. 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 -12.7% for SLQD 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLQD charges 0.06% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $4 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLQD currently yields 4.31% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SLQD or VYM?
SLQD has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLQD or VYM?
Over the past year SLQD returned +3.05% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SLQD annualized +1.37% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLQD or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.3% for SLQD. Worst drawdown: SLQD -12.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SLQD and VYM?
SLQD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SLQD and VYM?
SLQD and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3253 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLQD or VYM?
SLQD yields 4.31% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SLQD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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