STEN vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSTENVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.04%
AUM$38M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.17%2.86%
Holdings8568
YTD Return+10.77%+15.80%
1Y Return-+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)-14.6%
Max Drawdown-6.2%-58.8%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionSep 30, 2025Nov 10, 2006

STEN vs VYM Performance

iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep ETF (STEN) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, STEN is up 10.77% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -6.2% for STEN and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

STEN charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STEN currently yields 0.17% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

STEN 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, STEN or VYM?

STEN has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between STEN and VYM?

STEN and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, STEN or VYM?

STEN yields 0.17% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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