VYM vs XES
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. XES delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XES | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $382M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 1.17% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 36 | |
| YTD Return | +16.42% | +46.91% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.22% | +90.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.03% | +11.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +21.67% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 39.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -96.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jun 19, 2006 |
VYM vs XES Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF (XES) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VYM returned +24.22% while XES returned +90.48%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.42% versus a gain of 46.91% for XES.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.03% per year against +11.97% for XES; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +21.67% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs -3.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.8% 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 -96.1% for XES. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XES 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 1.17% for XES.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XES share 10 holdings out of 628 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XES?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XES 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 XES?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.22% vs +90.48% for XES, so XES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VYM annualized +7.10% vs -3.71% for XES. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XES?
XES has been the more volatile fund at 39.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XES -96.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and XES?
VYM and XES have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XES?
VYM and XES share 10 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 628 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XES?
VYM yields 2.24% while XES yields 1.17%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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