STOX vs VYM
Horizon Core Equity 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | STOX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.70% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $216M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.17% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 172 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +12.15% | +14.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.66% | +20.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.7% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Horizon Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
STOX vs VYM Performance
Horizon Core Equity ETF (STOX) is a ETF from Horizon Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STOX returned +20.66% while VYM returned +20.67%. Year to date, STOX is up 12.15% versus a gain of 14.18% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 11.7% for STOX. 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 -9.3% for STOX 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STOX charges 0.70% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $4 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STOX currently yields 0.17% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
STOX and VYM share 80 holdings out of 689 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, STOX or VYM?
STOX has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, STOX or VYM?
Over the past year STOX returned +20.66% vs +20.67% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), STOX annualized +21.60% vs +6.97% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, STOX or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 11.7% for STOX. Worst drawdown: STOX -9.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both STOX and VYM?
STOX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between STOX and VYM?
STOX and VYM share 80 common holdings with a 30.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 689 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STOX or VYM?
STOX yields 0.17% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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