SLX vs VYM
VanEck Steel ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SLX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $165M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 49 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +23.48% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +56.41% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.52% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.70% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 10, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SLX vs VYM Performance
VanEck Steel ETF (SLX) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SLX returned +56.41% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, SLX is up 23.48% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, SLX compounded at +19.52% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +15.70% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SLX has the edge at +7.68% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.8% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -82.1% for SLX 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLX charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLX currently yields 1.27% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SLX and VYM share 3 holdings out of 639 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SLX or VYM?
SLX has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLX or VYM?
Over the past year SLX returned +56.41% vs +23.48% for VYM, so SLX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SLX annualized +7.68% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLX or VYM?
SLX has been the more volatile fund at 33.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SLX -82.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SLX and VYM?
SLX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SLX and VYM?
SLX and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 639 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLX or VYM?
SLX yields 1.27% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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