SPYT vs VYM
Defiance S&P 500 Income Target 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 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPYT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.92% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $154M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 20.10% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.22% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.70% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -18.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 7, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPYT vs VYM Performance
Defiance S&P 500 Income Target ETF (SPYT) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPYT returned +16.70% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, SPYT is up 11.22% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 11.0% for SPYT. 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 -18.3% for SPYT 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPYT charges 0.92% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $92 vs $4 annually, a gap of $88 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPYT currently yields 20.10% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPYT and VYM share 0 holdings out of 560 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, SPYT or VYM?
SPYT has an expense ratio of 0.92% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $88 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPYT or VYM?
Over the past year SPYT returned +16.70% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SPYT annualized +15.34% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPYT or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.0% for SPYT. Worst drawdown: SPYT -18.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPYT and VYM?
SPYT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPYT and VYM?
SPYT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPYT or VYM?
SPYT yields 20.10% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SPYT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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