VYM vs XAIX
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. XAIX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XAIX | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $160M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.39% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 94 | |
| YTD Return | +16.78% | +33.90% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.43% | +47.69% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 26.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -23.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Xtrackers ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jun 4, 2024 |
VYM vs XAIX Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs. Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% while XAIX returned +47.69%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.78% versus a gain of 33.90% for XAIX.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XAIX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.3% 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 -58.8% for VYM and -23.9% for XAIX. 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XAIX charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $35 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 0.39% for XAIX.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XAIX share 10 holdings out of 651 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, VYM or XAIX?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XAIX charges 0.35%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XAIX?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% vs +47.69% for XAIX, so XAIX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VYM annualized +7.11% vs +41.02% for XAIX. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XAIX?
XAIX has been the more volatile fund at 26.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XAIX -23.9%.
Should I hold both VYM and XAIX?
VYM and XAIX have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XAIX?
VYM and XAIX share 10 common holdings with a 9.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 651 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XAIX?
VYM yields 2.86% while XAIX yields 0.39%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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