SMAP vs VYM
Amplify Small-Mid Cap Equity 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMAP | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.42% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +6.50% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.14% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 23, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMAP vs VYM Performance
Amplify Small-Mid Cap Equity ETF (SMAP) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMAP returned +12.14% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, SMAP is up 6.50% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMAP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -24.2% for SMAP 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMAP charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMAP currently yields 0.42% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMAP and VYM share 8 holdings out of 606 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, SMAP or VYM?
SMAP has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMAP or VYM?
Over the past year SMAP returned +12.14% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMAP annualized +5.13% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMAP or VYM?
SMAP has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMAP -24.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMAP and VYM?
SMAP and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SMAP and VYM?
SMAP and VYM share 8 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMAP or VYM?
SMAP yields 0.42% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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