SYLD vs VYM
Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SYLD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SYLD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $998M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.84% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +20.72% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.53% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.97% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.13% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Cambria Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 13, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SYLD vs VYM Performance
Cambria Shareholder Yield ETF (SYLD) is a ETF from Cambria Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SYLD returned +32.53% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, SYLD is up 20.72% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, SYLD compounded at +11.97% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.13% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SYLD has the edge at +12.48% annualized vs +7.09%. 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 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 -45.4% for SYLD 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SYLD charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SYLD currently yields 1.84% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SYLD and VYM share 68 holdings out of 589 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SYLD or VYM?
SYLD has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SYLD or VYM?
Over the past year SYLD returned +32.53% vs +26.05% for VYM, so SYLD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SYLD annualized +12.48% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SYLD or VYM?
SYLD has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SYLD -45.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SYLD and VYM?
SYLD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SYLD and VYM?
SYLD and VYM share 68 common holdings with a 9.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 589 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SYLD or VYM?
SYLD yields 1.84% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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