SVAL vs VYM
iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SVAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SVAL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $211M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.05% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 262 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +27.40% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.14% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.04% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.41% | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SVAL vs VYM Performance
iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF (SVAL) 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 SVAL returned +37.14% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, SVAL is up 27.40% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, SVAL compounded at +19.04% per year against +19.14% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.41% and +12.45% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, SVAL has the edge at +17.49% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SVAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.0% 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 -27.4% for SVAL 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SVAL charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SVAL currently yields 2.05% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SVAL and VYM share 48 holdings out of 798 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SVAL or VYM?
SVAL has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SVAL or VYM?
Over the past year SVAL returned +37.14% vs +23.85% for VYM, so SVAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), SVAL annualized +17.49% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SVAL or VYM?
SVAL has been the more volatile fund at 22.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SVAL -27.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SVAL and VYM?
SVAL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SVAL and VYM?
SVAL and VYM share 48 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SVAL or VYM?
SVAL yields 2.05% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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