VYM vs XFIV
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs BondBloxx Bloomberg Five Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF
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 | XFIV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $347M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 3.85% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | -0.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +1.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | +4.18% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 5.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -6.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | BondBloxx | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Sep 13, 2022 |
VYM vs XFIV Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and BondBloxx Bloomberg Five Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XFIV) is a ETF from BondBloxx. Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% while XFIV returned +1.58%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.34% versus a loss of 0.52% for XFIV.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.22% per year against +4.18% for XFIV. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +2.93%. 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 5.0% for XFIV. 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 -6.4% for XFIV. 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XFIV charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $5 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 3.85% for XFIV.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XFIV share 0 holdings out of 634 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 XFIV?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XFIV charges 0.05%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XFIV?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% vs +1.58% for XFIV, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs +2.93% for XFIV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XFIV?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.0% for XFIV. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XFIV -6.4%.
Should I hold both VYM and XFIV?
VYM and XFIV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XFIV?
VYM and XFIV share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 634 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XFIV?
VYM yields 2.24% while XFIV yields 3.85%, so XFIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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