VYM vs XLRI
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs State Street Real Estate 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 | XLRI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $3M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 13.57% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 3 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +8.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +9.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 9.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -7.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jul 29, 2025 |
VYM vs XLRI Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLRI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% while XLRI returned +9.87%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.34% versus a gain of 8.47% for XLRI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 9.1% for XLRI. 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 -7.1% for XLRI. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XLRI 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 13.57% for XLRI.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XLRI 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 XLRI?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XLRI 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 XLRI?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% vs +9.87% for XLRI, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs +8.27% for XLRI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XLRI?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.1% for XLRI. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XLRI -7.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and XLRI?
VYM and XLRI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XLRI?
VYM and XLRI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XLRI?
VYM yields 2.24% while XLRI yields 13.57%, so XLRI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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