SMOG vs VYM
VanEck Low Carbon Energy 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 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMOG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $131M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.39% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 63 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +6.92% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.19% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.53% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.36% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMOG vs VYM Performance
VanEck Low Carbon Energy ETF (SMOG) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMOG returned +22.19% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, SMOG is up 6.92% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, SMOG compounded at +7.53% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.36% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +1.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMOG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.5% 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 -84.4% for SMOG 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMOG charges 0.64% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $4 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMOG currently yields 1.39% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMOG and VYM share 4 holdings out of 609 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMOG or VYM?
SMOG has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMOG or VYM?
Over the past year SMOG returned +22.19% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), SMOG annualized +1.74% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMOG or VYM?
SMOG has been the more volatile fund at 28.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMOG -84.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMOG and VYM?
SMOG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMOG and VYM?
SMOG and VYM share 4 common holdings with a 0.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 609 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMOG or VYM?
SMOG yields 1.39% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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