SPAM vs VYM
Themes Cybersecurity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SPAM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPAM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.37% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 45 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +49.65% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.43% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Themes ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPAM vs VYM Performance
Themes Cybersecurity ETF (SPAM) is a ETF from Themes ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPAM returned +42.43% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, SPAM is up 49.65% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPAM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% 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 -24.0% for SPAM 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPAM charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPAM currently yields 0.37% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPAM or VYM?
SPAM has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPAM or VYM?
Over the past year SPAM returned +42.43% vs +23.85% for VYM, so SPAM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SPAM annualized +24.72% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPAM or VYM?
SPAM has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SPAM -24.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPAM and VYM?
SPAM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPAM and VYM?
SPAM and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 638 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPAM or VYM?
SPAM yields 0.37% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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