SPXD vs VYM
Xtrackers S&P 500 Diversified Sector Weight ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPXD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 505 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.24% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.82% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 23, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPXD vs VYM Performance
Xtrackers S&P 500 Diversified Sector Weight ETF (SPXD) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPXD returned +21.82% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, SPXD is up 15.24% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 9.6% for SPXD. 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 -7.5% for SPXD 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPXD charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPXD currently yields 1.40% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPXD and VYM share 228 holdings out of 832 unique holdings combined, representing a 39.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPXD or VYM?
SPXD has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPXD or VYM?
Over the past year SPXD returned +21.82% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SPXD annualized +20.48% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPXD or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.6% for SPXD. Worst drawdown: SPXD -7.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPXD and VYM?
SPXD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 SPXD and VYM?
SPXD and VYM share 228 common holdings with a 39.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 832 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPXD or VYM?
SPXD yields 1.40% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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