VYM vs XHS
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. XHS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XHS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $207M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.20% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 59 | |
| YTD Return | +16.10% | +27.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.99% | +50.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.29% | +14.36% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.35% | +5.02% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 19.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -39.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Sep 28, 2011 |
VYM vs XHS Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Health Care Services ETF (XHS) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VYM returned +25.99% while XHS returned +50.35%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.10% versus a gain of 27.45% for XHS.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.29% per year against +14.36% for XHS; over five years the annualized figures are +12.35% and +5.02% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, XHS has the edge at +12.28% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XHS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -39.4% for XHS. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XHS 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 2.86% against 0.20% for XHS.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XHS share 6 holdings out of 613 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XHS?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XHS 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 XHS?
Over the past year VYM returned +25.99% vs +50.35% for XHS, so XHS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), VYM annualized +7.08% vs +12.28% for XHS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XHS?
XHS has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XHS -39.4%.
Should I hold both VYM and XHS?
VYM and XHS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XHS?
VYM and XHS share 6 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 613 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XHS?
VYM yields 2.86% while XHS yields 0.20%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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