VYM vs XDAT

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVYMXDATWinner
Expense Ratio0.04%0.50%
AUM$79.0B$4M
Dividend Yield2.86%0.00%
Holdings56862
YTD Return+15.80%+3.62%
1Y Return+26.12%-0.54%
3Y Return (annualized)+18.25%+13.09%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.51%-1.35%
Volatility (annualized)14.6%24.1%
Max Drawdown-58.8%-54.9%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)Franklin Templeton Investments (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionNov 10, 2006Jan 12, 2021

VYM vs XDAT Performance

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Franklin Exponential Data ETF (XDAT) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% while XDAT returned -0.54%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.80% versus a gain of 3.62% for XDAT.

Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.25% per year against +13.09% for XDAT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.51% and -1.35% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +1.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

XDAT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% 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 -54.9% for XDAT. 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VYM charges 0.04% per year while XDAT charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $50 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 0.00% for XDAT.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VYM and XDAT share 0 holdings out of 618 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, VYM or XDAT?

VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XDAT charges 0.50%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VYM or XDAT?

Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% vs -0.54% for XDAT, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VYM annualized +7.07% vs +1.08% for XDAT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VYM or XDAT?

XDAT has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XDAT -54.9%.

Should I hold both VYM and XDAT?

VYM and XDAT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XDAT?

VYM and XDAT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 618 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XDAT?

VYM yields 2.86% while XDAT yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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