STEN vs VYM
iShares Large Cap 10% Target Buffer Sep 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 | STEN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $40M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.23% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.22% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -6.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2025 | Nov 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). Over the past year STEN returned +13.22% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, STEN is up 11.23% versus a gain of 14.95% 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 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
STEN and VYM share 0 holdings out of 605 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.
Which performed better, STEN or VYM?
Over the past year STEN returned +13.22% vs +21.14% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STEN or VYM?
STEN yields 0.17% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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