STXE vs VYM
Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. STXE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | STXE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $138M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.87% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 222 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +29.38% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +54.44% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.17% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Strive Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
STXE vs VYM Performance
Strive Emerging Markets Ex-China ETF (STXE) is a ETF from Strive Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year STXE returned +54.44% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, STXE is up 29.38% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, STXE compounded at +25.17% per year against +18.29% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, STXE has the edge at +22.40% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
STXE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -20.4% for STXE 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
STXE charges 0.32% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $4 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, STXE currently yields 1.87% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
STXE and VYM share 2 holdings out of 748 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, STXE or VYM?
STXE has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, STXE or VYM?
Over the past year STXE returned +54.44% vs +25.99% for VYM, so STXE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), STXE annualized +22.40% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, STXE or VYM?
STXE has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: STXE -20.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both STXE and VYM?
STXE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between STXE and VYM?
STXE and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 748 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, STXE or VYM?
STXE yields 1.87% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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