VYM vs XDSQ
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated ETF - Quarterly
Which is better, VYM or XDSQ?
Large Cap Value against Multi Alternative.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XDSQ |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04%Best | 0.79% |
| AUM | $81.6B | $79M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 613 | 14 |
| YTD Return | +13.91%Best | +6.95% |
| 1Y Return | +17.57%Best | +12.56% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.12%Best | +15.41% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.17%Best | +9.61% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3%Best | 13.4% |
| Max Drawdown | -15.8%Best | -26.1% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,758Best | $15,822 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 31, 2021 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 1, 2021 to Sep 11, 2026 (5.4 years).
VYM vs XDSQ growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.4 years both funds cover.
VYM vs XDSQ Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated ETF - Quarterly (XDSQ) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VYM returned +17.57% while XDSQ returned +12.56%. Year to date, VYM is up 13.91% versus a gain of 6.95% for XDSQ.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.12% per year against +15.41% for XDSQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.17% and +9.61% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XDSQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.4% compared with 13.3% 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 -15.8% for VYM and -26.1% for XDSQ. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XDSQ charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $79 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.22% against 0.00% for XDSQ.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 603 holdings in VYM and 1 in XDSQ, totalling 99.5% and 98.6% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 66 days apart, VYM as of Jun 30, 2026 and XDSQ as of Sep 4, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 603 positions we hold weights for in VYM and 1 in XDSQ, against full books of 613 and 14.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VYM and XDSQ you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XDSQ?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XDSQ charges 0.79%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $75 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VYM or XDSQ?
Over the past year VYM returned +17.57% vs +12.56% for XDSQ, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VYM or XDSQ?
XDSQ has been the more volatile fund at 13.4% annualized versus 13.3% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -15.8% vs XDSQ -26.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and XDSQ?
VYM and XDSQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XDSQ?
VYM yields 2.22% while XDSQ yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XDSQ better than VYM?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.