VYM vs XMLV
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Invesco S&P MidCap Low Volatility 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 | XMLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $750M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 2.83% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 82 | |
| YTD Return | +14.95% | +10.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.14% | +8.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.69% | +12.53% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.00% | +6.62% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 13.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -40.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Feb 12, 2013 |
VYM vs XMLV Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco S&P MidCap Low Volatility ETF (XMLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year VYM returned +21.14% while XMLV returned +8.82%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.95% versus a gain of 10.45% for XMLV.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.69% per year against +12.53% for XMLV; over five years the annualized figures are +12.00% and +6.62% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, XMLV has the edge at +8.55% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.4% for XMLV. 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 -40.5% for XMLV. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XMLV 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 2.83% for XMLV.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XMLV share 40 holdings out of 643 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XMLV?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XMLV 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 XMLV?
Over the past year VYM returned +21.14% vs +8.82% for XMLV, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +8.55% for XMLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XMLV?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.4% for XMLV. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XMLV -40.5%.
Should I hold both VYM and XMLV?
VYM and XMLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XMLV?
VYM and XMLV share 40 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 643 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XMLV?
VYM yields 2.24% while XMLV yields 2.83%, so XMLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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