SMMV vs VYM
iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Minimum Volatility Factor 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMMV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $289M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.69% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 369 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.77% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.94% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.87% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.46% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMMV vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI USA Small-Cap Minimum Volatility Factor ETF (SMMV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMMV returned +12.94% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, SMMV is up 10.77% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, SMMV compounded at +12.87% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.46% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, SMMV has the edge at +8.01% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.7% for SMMV. 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 -38.8% for SMMV 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMMV charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMMV currently yields 1.69% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMMV and VYM share 3 holdings out of 579 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMMV or VYM?
SMMV has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMMV or VYM?
Over the past year SMMV returned +12.94% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), SMMV annualized +8.01% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMMV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.7% for SMMV. Worst drawdown: SMMV -38.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMMV and VYM?
SMMV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMMV and VYM?
SMMV and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 579 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMMV or VYM?
SMMV yields 1.69% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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