VYM vs XMHQ
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Invesco S&P MidCap Quality 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 | XMHQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $5.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.57% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 82 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +15.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +16.84% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | +16.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +10.99% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 17.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -58.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Dec 1, 2006 |
VYM vs XMHQ Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco S&P MidCap Quality ETF (XMHQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% while XMHQ returned +16.84%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.34% versus a gain of 15.14% for XMHQ.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.22% per year against +16.20% for XMHQ; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +10.99% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, XMHQ has the edge at +8.74% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XMHQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -58.4% for XMHQ. 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XMHQ charges 0.25%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $25 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 0.57% for XMHQ.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XMHQ share 29 holdings out of 655 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XMHQ?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XMHQ charges 0.25%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XMHQ?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% vs +16.84% for XMHQ, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs +8.74% for XMHQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XMHQ?
XMHQ has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XMHQ -58.4%.
Should I hold both VYM and XMHQ?
VYM and XMHQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XMHQ?
VYM and XMHQ share 29 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 655 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XMHQ?
VYM yields 2.24% while XMHQ yields 0.57%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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