SOLR vs VYM
Guinness Atkinson Sustainable Energy ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SOLR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SOLR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $5M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.59% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.08% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.49% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.08% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.10% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 11, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SOLR vs VYM Performance
Guinness Atkinson Sustainable Energy ETF (SOLR) is a ETF from SmartETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SOLR returned +28.49% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SOLR is up 10.08% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, SOLR compounded at +5.08% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.10% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SOLR has the edge at +7.45% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOLR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -38.0% for SOLR 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOLR charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOLR currently yields 0.59% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SOLR and VYM share 5 holdings out of 583 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SOLR or VYM?
SOLR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOLR or VYM?
Over the past year SOLR returned +28.49% vs +25.99% for VYM, so SOLR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SOLR annualized +7.45% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOLR or VYM?
SOLR has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SOLR -38.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SOLR and VYM?
SOLR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOLR and VYM?
SOLR and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 583 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOLR or VYM?
SOLR yields 0.59% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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