SPYX vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P 500 Fossil Fuel Reserves Free 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SPYX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.9B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.86% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 493 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.77% | +15.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.55% | +22.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.65% | +19.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.22% | +12.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | State Street Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 30, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SPYX vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P 500 Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF (SPYX) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPYX returned +19.55% while VYM returned +22.36%. Year to date, SPYX is up 11.77% versus a gain of 15.42% for VYM.
Over three years, SPYX compounded at +21.65% per year against +19.06% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.22% and +12.20% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, SPYX has the edge at +13.64% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPYX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -33.2% for SPYX 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPYX charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPYX currently yields 0.86% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SPYX and VYM share 234 holdings out of 859 unique holdings combined, representing a 32.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SPYX or VYM?
SPYX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SPYX or VYM?
Over the past year SPYX returned +19.55% vs +22.36% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), SPYX annualized +13.64% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SPYX or VYM?
SPYX has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SPYX -33.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SPYX and VYM?
SPYX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SPYX and VYM?
SPYX and VYM share 234 common holdings with a 32.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 859 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPYX or VYM?
SPYX yields 0.86% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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