VYM vs XHYF
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs BondBloxx USD High Yield Bond Financial & REIT Sector 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 | XHYF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $7M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 6.77% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 272 | |
| YTD Return | +14.66% | +0.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.16% | +5.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | +9.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 7.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -12.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | BondBloxx | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Feb 15, 2022 |
VYM vs XHYF Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and BondBloxx USD High Yield Bond Financial & REIT Sector ETF (XHYF) is a ETF from BondBloxx. Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% while XHYF returned +5.99%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.66% versus a gain of 0.00% for XHYF.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.72% per year against +9.25% for XHYF. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +5.06%. 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 7.9% for XHYF. 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 -12.9% for XHYF. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XHYF 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 6.77% for XHYF.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XHYF share 1 holdings out of 828 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VYM | Weight in XHYF | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PFSI 4.25 02/15/29 1 | 0.01% | 0.32% | 0.31% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XHYF?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XHYF 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 XHYF?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% vs +5.99% for XHYF, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +5.06% for XHYF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XHYF?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.9% for XHYF. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XHYF -12.9%.
Should I hold both VYM and XHYF?
VYM and XHYF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XHYF?
VYM and XHYF share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 828 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XHYF?
VYM yields 2.24% while XHYF yields 6.77%, so XHYF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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