VYM vs XLCI
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Premium Income 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 | XLCI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $3M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 11.76% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 3 | |
| YTD Return | +15.36% | +1.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +5.77% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.85% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.25% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 10.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -8.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jul 29, 2025 |
VYM vs XLCI Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLCI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VYM returned +21.96% while XLCI returned +5.77%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.36% versus a gain of 1.58% for XLCI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.9% for XLCI. 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 -8.4% for XLCI. 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XLCI 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 11.76% for XLCI.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XLCI 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 XLCI?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XLCI 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 XLCI?
Over the past year VYM returned +21.96% vs +5.77% for XLCI, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VYM annualized +7.03% vs +7.50% for XLCI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XLCI?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.9% for XLCI. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XLCI -8.4%.
Should I hold both VYM and XLCI?
VYM and XLCI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XLCI?
VYM and XLCI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XLCI?
VYM yields 2.24% while XLCI yields 11.76%, so XLCI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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