SLYV vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SLYV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLYV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.9B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.81% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 463 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +21.96% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.64% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.31% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.92% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 44.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SLYV vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 600 Small Cap Value ETF (SLYV) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SLYV returned +34.64% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, SLYV is up 21.96% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, SLYV compounded at +14.31% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.92% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SLYV has the edge at +13.59% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLYV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 44.6% 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 -63.1% for SLYV 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLYV charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLYV currently yields 1.81% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SLYV and VYM share 144 holdings out of 876 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SLYV or VYM?
SLYV has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLYV or VYM?
Over the past year SLYV returned +34.64% vs +25.03% for VYM, so SLYV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SLYV annualized +13.59% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLYV or VYM?
SLYV has been the more volatile fund at 44.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SLYV -63.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SLYV and VYM?
SLYV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SLYV and VYM?
SLYV and VYM share 144 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 876 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLYV or VYM?
SLYV yields 1.81% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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