SMDX vs VYM
Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SMDX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMDX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $135M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.52% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 557 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +17.65% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.06% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Intech ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 1, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMDX vs VYM Performance
Intech S&P Small-Mid Cap Diversified Alpha ETF (SMDX) is a ETF from Intech ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMDX returned +25.06% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, SMDX is up 17.65% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.7% for SMDX. 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 -14.5% for SMDX 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
SMDX charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMDX currently yields 0.52% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMDX and VYM share 158 holdings out of 971 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMDX or VYM?
SMDX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMDX or VYM?
Over the past year SMDX returned +25.06% vs +23.85% for VYM, so SMDX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMDX annualized +23.28% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMDX or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.7% for SMDX. Worst drawdown: SMDX -14.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMDX and VYM?
SMDX 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 SMDX and VYM?
SMDX and VYM share 158 common holdings with a 3.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 971 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMDX or VYM?
SMDX yields 0.52% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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