Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSNTHVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.96%0.04%
AUM$252M$79.0B
Dividend Yield11.62%2.86%
Holdings11568
YTD Return+11.75%+15.80%
1Y Return+22.12%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)13.2%14.6%
Max Drawdown-9.8%-58.8%
Fund FamilyMeasured Risk PortfoliosVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 10, 2025Nov 10, 2006

SNTH vs VYM Performance

MRP SynthEquity ETF (SNTH) is a ETF from Measured Risk Portfolios and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SNTH returned +22.12% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, SNTH is up 11.75% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.2% for SNTH. 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 -9.8% for SNTH 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SNTH charges 0.96% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $4 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SNTH currently yields 11.62% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SNTH and VYM share 0 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SNTH or VYM?

SNTH has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SNTH or VYM?

Over the past year SNTH returned +22.12% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SNTH annualized +25.81% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SNTH or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.2% for SNTH. Worst drawdown: SNTH -9.8% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both SNTH and VYM?

SNTH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SNTH and VYM?

SNTH and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SNTH or VYM?

SNTH yields 11.62% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SNTH currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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