VYM vs XDSQ
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated ETF - Quarterly
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XDSQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $78M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +14.66% | +6.07% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.16% | +14.04% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | +15.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | +9.62% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 13.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -26.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 31, 2021 |
VYM vs XDSQ Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated ETF - Quarterly (XDSQ) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% while XDSQ returned +14.04%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.66% versus a gain of 6.07% for XDSQ.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.72% per year against +15.85% for XDSQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.18% and +9.62% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XDSQ has the edge at +10.64% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.5% for XDSQ. 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 -26.1% for XDSQ. 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 0.75. 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 2.24% against 0.00% for XDSQ.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XDSQ share 0 holdings out of 604 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 XDSQ?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XDSQ charges 0.79%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XDSQ?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% vs +14.04% for XDSQ, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +10.64% for XDSQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XDSQ?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.5% for XDSQ. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XDSQ -26.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and XDSQ?
VYM and XDSQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XDSQ?
VYM and XDSQ share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XDSQ?
VYM yields 2.24% while XDSQ yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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