STEW vs VYM
SRH Total Return Fund 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | STEW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.28% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.12% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +6.44% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.01% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.97% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.42% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Paralel Advisors LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2002 | Nov 10, 2006 |
STEW vs VYM Performance
SRH Total Return Fund (STEW) is a ETF from Paralel Advisors LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STEW returned +12.01% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, STEW is up 6.44% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, STEW compounded at +15.97% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.42% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +3.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -78.2% for STEW 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
STEW charges 2.28% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $228 vs $4 annually, a gap of $224 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STEW currently yields 3.12% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
STEW and VYM share 10 holdings out of 571 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, STEW or VYM?
STEW has an expense ratio of 2.28% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $224 per year of difference.
Which performed better, STEW or VYM?
Over the past year STEW returned +12.01% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), STEW annualized +3.88% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, STEW or VYM?
STEW has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: STEW -78.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both STEW and VYM?
STEW 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 STEW and VYM?
STEW and VYM share 10 common holdings with a 8.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 571 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STEW or VYM?
STEW yields 3.12% while VYM yields 2.86%, so STEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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