VYM vs XLYI
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs State Street Consumer Discretionary 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 | XLYI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $2M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 14.77% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 3 | |
| YTD Return | +14.66% | +1.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.16% | +4.70% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 10.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -12.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jul 29, 2025 |
VYM vs XLYI Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Premium Income ETF (XLYI) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% while XLYI returned +4.70%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.66% versus a gain of 1.98% for XLYI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.9% for XLYI. 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 -12.3% for XLYI. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XLYI 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 14.77% for XLYI.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XLYI share 0 holdings out of 605 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 XLYI?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XLYI 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 XLYI?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% vs +4.70% for XLYI, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +6.88% for XLYI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XLYI?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.9% for XLYI. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XLYI -12.3%.
Should I hold both VYM and XLYI?
VYM and XLYI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XLYI?
VYM and XLYI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XLYI?
VYM yields 2.24% while XLYI yields 14.77%, so XLYI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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