SMIZ vs VYM
Zacks Small/Mid Cap 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMIZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $285M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.55% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 203 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +13.72% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.13% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.98% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Zacks | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMIZ vs VYM Performance
Zacks Small/Mid Cap ETF (SMIZ) is a ETF from Zacks and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMIZ returned +21.13% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, SMIZ is up 13.72% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, SMIZ compounded at +21.98% per year against +19.22% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, SMIZ has the edge at +21.98% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMIZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -25.0% for SMIZ 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMIZ charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMIZ currently yields 0.55% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMIZ and VYM share 43 holdings out of 759 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMIZ or VYM?
SMIZ has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMIZ or VYM?
Over the past year SMIZ returned +21.13% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SMIZ annualized +21.98% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMIZ or VYM?
SMIZ has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMIZ -25.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMIZ and VYM?
SMIZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMIZ and VYM?
SMIZ and VYM share 43 common holdings with a 3.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 759 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMIZ or VYM?
SMIZ yields 0.55% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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