VYM vs XMAG
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. XMAG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XMAG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $178M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.46% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 497 | |
| YTD Return | +14.95% | +15.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.14% | +21.26% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.69% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.00% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 12.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -16.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Defiance ETFs, LLC | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Oct 21, 2024 |
VYM vs XMAG Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Defiance Large Cap ex-Mag 7 ETF (XMAG) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC. Over the past year VYM returned +21.14% while XMAG returned +21.26%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.95% versus a gain of 15.82% for XMAG.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.0% for XMAG. 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 -16.2% for XMAG. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XMAG 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 0.46% for XMAG.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XMAG share 220 holdings out of 875 unique holdings combined, representing a 49.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XMAG?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XMAG 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 XMAG?
Over the past year VYM returned +21.14% vs +21.26% for XMAG, so XMAG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +16.29% for XMAG. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XMAG?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.0% for XMAG. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XMAG -16.2%.
Should I hold both VYM and XMAG?
VYM and XMAG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XMAG?
VYM and XMAG share 220 common holdings with a 49.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 875 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XMAG?
VYM yields 2.24% while XMAG yields 0.46%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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