SMRI vs VYM
Bushido Capital US Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SMRI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMRI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.71% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $697M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +34.42% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.47% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Bushido Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 14, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMRI vs VYM Performance
Bushido Capital US Equity ETF (SMRI) is a ETF from Bushido Capital and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMRI returned +48.47% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, SMRI is up 34.42% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMRI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -18.1% for SMRI 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMRI charges 0.71% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $71 vs $4 annually, a gap of $67 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMRI currently yields 0.86% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMRI and VYM share 24 holdings out of 630 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SMRI or VYM?
SMRI has an expense ratio of 0.71% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $67 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMRI or VYM?
Over the past year SMRI returned +48.47% vs +23.48% for VYM, so SMRI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SMRI annualized +28.45% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMRI or VYM?
SMRI has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMRI -18.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMRI and VYM?
SMRI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMRI and VYM?
SMRI and VYM share 24 common holdings with a 8.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 630 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMRI or VYM?
SMRI yields 0.86% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.