SSPY vs VYM
Stratified LargeCap Index 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 | SSPY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $133M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 507 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +15.79% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.51% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.84% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.57% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Syntax Stratified | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 2, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SSPY vs VYM Performance
Stratified LargeCap Index ETF (SSPY) is a ETF from Syntax Stratified and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SSPY returned +21.51% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, SSPY is up 15.79% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, SSPY compounded at +15.84% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.57% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, SSPY has the edge at +14.05% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SSPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -36.7% for SSPY 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 0.96. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SSPY charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SSPY currently yields 1.22% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SSPY and VYM share 243 holdings out of 864 unique holdings combined, representing a 34.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SSPY or VYM?
SSPY has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SSPY or VYM?
Over the past year SSPY returned +21.51% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), SSPY annualized +14.05% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SSPY or VYM?
SSPY has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SSPY -36.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SSPY and VYM?
SSPY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.96, 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 SSPY and VYM?
SSPY and VYM share 243 common holdings with a 34.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 864 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SSPY or VYM?
SSPY yields 1.22% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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