VYM vs XBI
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Biotech ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. XBI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XBI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $10.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.39% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 157 | |
| YTD Return | +15.60% | +39.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.48% | +91.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.07% | +29.65% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.50% | +7.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 27.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -63.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jan 31, 2006 |
VYM vs XBI Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Biotech ETF (XBI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VYM returned +23.48% while XBI returned +91.81%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.60% versus a gain of 39.66% for XBI.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.07% per year against +29.65% for XBI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.50% and +7.53% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, XBI has the edge at +12.08% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XBI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.1% 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 -63.9% for XBI. 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XBI 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 2.24% against 0.39% for XBI.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XBI share 3 holdings out of 753 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XBI?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XBI 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 XBI?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.48% vs +91.81% for XBI, so XBI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VYM annualized +7.05% vs +12.08% for XBI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XBI?
XBI has been the more volatile fund at 27.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XBI -63.9%.
Should I hold both VYM and XBI?
VYM and XBI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XBI?
VYM and XBI share 3 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 753 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XBI?
VYM yields 2.24% while XBI yields 0.39%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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