VYM vs XHLF
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF
Quick Verdict
XHLF has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XHLF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $2.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 3.81% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 28 | |
| YTD Return | +15.42% | +2.15% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.36% | +3.73% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.06% | +4.41% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.20% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 0.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -0.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | BondBloxx | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Sep 13, 2022 |
VYM vs XHLF Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XHLF) is a ETF from BondBloxx. Over the past year VYM returned +22.36% while XHLF returned +3.73%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.42% versus a gain of 2.15% for XHLF.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.06% per year against +4.41% for XHLF. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +4.31%. 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 0.4% for XHLF. 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 -0.3% for XHLF. 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 -0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XHLF charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 3.81% for XHLF.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XHLF 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 XHLF?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XHLF charges 0.03%. XHLF is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XHLF?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.36% vs +3.73% for XHLF, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs +4.31% for XHLF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XHLF?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 0.4% for XHLF. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XHLF -0.3%.
Should I hold both VYM and XHLF?
VYM and XHLF have a monthly-return correlation of -0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XHLF?
VYM and XHLF share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XHLF?
VYM yields 2.24% while XHLF yields 3.81%, so XHLF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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