VYM vs XJH
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs iShares ESG Select Screened S&P Mid-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. XJH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XJH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $438M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 361 | |
| YTD Return | +14.66% | +14.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.16% | +22.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | +15.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | +8.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 18.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -25.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Sep 22, 2020 |
VYM vs XJH Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares ESG Select Screened S&P Mid-Cap ETF (XJH) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% while XJH returned +22.36%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.66% versus a gain of 14.44% for XJH.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.72% per year against +15.25% for XJH; over five years the annualized figures are +12.18% and +8.37% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, XJH has the edge at +14.67% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XJH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% 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 -25.1% for XJH. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XJH charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $12 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 1.09% for XJH.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XJH share 125 holdings out of 834 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XJH?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XJH charges 0.12%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XJH?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% vs +22.36% for XJH, so XJH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +14.67% for XJH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XJH?
XJH has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XJH -25.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and XJH?
VYM and XJH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XJH?
VYM and XJH share 125 common holdings with a 3.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 834 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XJH?
VYM yields 2.24% while XJH yields 1.09%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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