VYM vs XHB
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Homebuilders 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 | XHB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $1.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.55% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 36 | |
| YTD Return | +16.42% | +4.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.22% | -3.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.03% | +10.05% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +7.78% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 28.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -82.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jan 31, 2006 |
VYM vs XHB Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VYM returned +24.22% while XHB returned -3.43%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.42% versus a gain of 4.66% for XHB.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.03% per year against +10.05% for XHB; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +7.78% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +4.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XHB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.1% 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 -82.3% for XHB. 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XHB 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 0.55% for XHB.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XHB share 12 holdings out of 625 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XHB?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XHB 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 XHB?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.22% vs -3.43% for XHB, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VYM annualized +7.10% vs +4.62% for XHB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XHB?
XHB has been the more volatile fund at 28.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XHB -82.3%.
Should I hold both VYM and XHB?
VYM and XHB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XHB?
VYM and XHB share 12 common holdings with a 3.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 625 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XHB?
VYM yields 2.24% while XHB yields 0.55%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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