VYM vs XMPT
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs VanEck CEF Municipal 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 | XMPT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 1.97% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $219M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 6.39% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 40 | |
| YTD Return | +14.66% | -1.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.16% | +5.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | +6.26% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | -2.68% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 42.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -56.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | VanEck | |
| Category | Equity | Tax Preferred | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jul 12, 2011 |
VYM vs XMPT Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and VanEck CEF Municipal Income ETF (XMPT) is a ETF from VanEck. Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% while XMPT returned +5.74%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.66% versus a loss of 1.60% for XMPT.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.72% per year against +6.26% for XMPT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.18% and -2.68% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +3.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XMPT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 42.2% 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 -56.3% for XMPT. 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 0.01. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XMPT charges 1.97%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $197 annually, a gap of $193 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 6.39% for XMPT.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XMPT share 0 holdings out of 641 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 XMPT?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XMPT charges 1.97%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $193 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XMPT?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% vs +5.74% for XMPT, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +3.79% for XMPT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XMPT?
XMPT has been the more volatile fund at 42.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XMPT -56.3%.
Should I hold both VYM and XMPT?
VYM and XMPT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.01, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XMPT?
VYM and XMPT share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 641 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XMPT?
VYM yields 2.24% while XMPT yields 6.39%, so XMPT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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