VYM vs XJR
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs iShares ESG Select Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. XJR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XJR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $191M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.94% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 602 | |
| YTD Return | +16.42% | +23.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.22% | +28.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.03% | +15.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +7.65% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 20.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -27.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Sep 22, 2020 |
VYM vs XJR Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares ESG Select Screened S&P Small-Cap ETF (XJR) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year VYM returned +24.22% while XJR returned +28.89%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.42% versus a gain of 23.89% for XJR.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.03% per year against +15.95% for XJR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +7.65% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, XJR has the edge at +15.41% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XJR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -27.1% for XJR. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XJR 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 0.94% for XJR.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XJR share 4 holdings out of 630 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XJR?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XJR 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 XJR?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.22% vs +28.89% for XJR, so XJR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VYM annualized +7.10% vs +15.41% for XJR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XJR?
XJR has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XJR -27.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and XJR?
VYM and XJR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XJR?
VYM and XJR share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 630 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XJR?
VYM yields 2.24% while XJR yields 0.94%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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