SPDV vs VYM
AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SPDV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPDV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $106M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.23% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +20.71% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.72% | +21.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.45% | +18.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.49% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Advisors Asset Management, Inc. | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPDV vs VYM Performance
AAM S&P 500 High Dividend Value ETF (SPDV) is a ETF from Advisors Asset Management, Inc. and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPDV returned +24.72% while VYM returned +21.08%. Year to date, SPDV is up 20.71% versus a gain of 14.57% for VYM.
Over three years, SPDV compounded at +17.45% per year against +18.16% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.49% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPDV has the edge at +8.30% annualized vs +6.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% 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 -45.4% for SPDV 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPDV charges 0.29% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $4 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPDV currently yields 3.23% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPDV and VYM share 47 holdings out of 611 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPDV or VYM?
SPDV has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPDV or VYM?
Over the past year SPDV returned +24.72% vs +21.08% for VYM, so SPDV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SPDV annualized +8.30% vs +6.99% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPDV or VYM?
SPDV has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SPDV -45.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPDV and VYM?
SPDV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SPDV and VYM?
SPDV and VYM share 47 common holdings with a 10.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPDV or VYM?
SPDV yields 3.23% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SPDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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