SYLD vs VTI
Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SYLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SYLD | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 100 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +21.64% | +12.65% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.50% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.09% | +21.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.24% | +12.11% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Cambria Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2013 | May 24, 2001 |
SYLD vs VTI Performance
Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SYLD returned +28.50% while VTI returned +21.39%. Year to date, SYLD is up 21.64% versus a gain of 12.65% for VTI.
Over three years, SYLD compounded at +13.09% per year against +21.54% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +9.24% and +12.11% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SYLD has the edge at +12.52% annualized vs +8.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SYLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -45.4% for SYLD and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SYLD charges 0.59% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $3 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SYLD currently yields 1.75% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SYLD and VTI share 81 holdings out of 2805 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SYLD or VTI?
SYLD has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SYLD or VTI?
Over the past year SYLD returned +28.50% vs +21.39% for VTI, so SYLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SYLD annualized +12.52% vs +8.07% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SYLD or VTI?
SYLD has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SYLD -45.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SYLD and VTI?
SYLD and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SYLD and VTI?
SYLD and VTI share 81 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2805 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SYLD or VTI?
SYLD yields 1.75% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SYLD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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