SYLD vs VXUS
Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SYLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SYLD | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $998M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.84% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +20.35% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.96% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.82% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.74% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Cambria Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2013 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SYLD vs VXUS Performance
Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SYLD returned +31.96% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SYLD is up 20.35% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SYLD compounded at +11.82% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +8.74% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SYLD has the edge at +12.46% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SYLD charges 0.59% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $5 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SYLD currently yields 1.84% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SYLD and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7960 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SYLD or VXUS?
SYLD has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SYLD or VXUS?
Over the past year SYLD returned +31.96% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so SYLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SYLD annualized +12.46% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SYLD or VXUS?
SYLD has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SYLD -45.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SYLD and VXUS?
SYLD and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SYLD and VXUS?
SYLD and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7960 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SYLD or VXUS?
SYLD yields 1.84% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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