SMDV vs VYM
Proshares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMDV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $725M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.28% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +14.92% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.92% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.95% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.77% | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 3, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMDV vs VYM Performance
Proshares Russell 2000 Dividend Growers ETF (SMDV) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMDV returned +12.92% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, SMDV is up 14.92% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Over three years, SMDV compounded at +10.95% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.77% and +11.98% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SMDV has the edge at +7.92% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% compared with 14.5% 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 -34.1% for SMDV 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMDV charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMDV currently yields 2.28% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMDV and VYM share 46 holdings out of 655 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMDV or VYM?
SMDV has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMDV or VYM?
Over the past year SMDV returned +12.92% vs +21.39% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), SMDV annualized +7.92% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMDV or VYM?
SMDV has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMDV -34.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMDV and VYM?
SMDV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMDV and VYM?
SMDV and VYM share 46 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 655 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMDV or VYM?
SMDV yields 2.28% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SMDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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