SMCF vs VYM
Themes US Small Cap Cash Flow Champions ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SMCF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMCF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.31% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 141 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +21.25% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.26% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 13, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMCF vs VYM Performance
Themes US Small Cap Cash Flow Champions ETF (SMCF) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMCF returned +32.26% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, SMCF is up 21.25% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -28.0% for SMCF 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMCF charges 0.29% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $4 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMCF currently yields 3.31% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMCF and VYM share 27 holdings out of 606 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMCF or VYM?
SMCF has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMCF or VYM?
Over the past year SMCF returned +32.26% vs +26.05% for VYM, so SMCF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SMCF annualized +20.29% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMCF or VYM?
SMCF has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMCF -28.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMCF and VYM?
SMCF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMCF and VYM?
SMCF and VYM share 27 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMCF or VYM?
SMCF yields 3.31% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SMCF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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