SMIG vs VYM
Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth 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 | SMIG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.80% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 41 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +11.85% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.65% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.20% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.80% | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.1% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 25, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMIG vs VYM Performance
Bahl & Gaynor Small/Mid Cap Income Growth ETF (SMIG) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc. and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMIG returned +10.65% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, SMIG is up 11.85% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Over three years, SMIG compounded at +13.20% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.80% and +11.98% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, SMIG has the edge at +7.17% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMIG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.1% 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 -19.6% for SMIG 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMIG 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, SMIG currently yields 1.80% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMIG and VYM share 27 holdings out of 614 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMIG or VYM?
SMIG 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, SMIG or VYM?
Over the past year SMIG returned +10.65% vs +21.39% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SMIG annualized +7.17% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMIG or VYM?
SMIG has been the more volatile fund at 16.1% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMIG -19.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMIG and VYM?
SMIG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 SMIG and VYM?
SMIG and VYM share 27 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 614 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMIG or VYM?
SMIG yields 1.80% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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