VYM vs XOEF
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs iShares S&P 500 ex S&P 100 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 | XOEF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.20% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $23M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 1.06% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 408 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +16.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +22.92% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 11.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -7.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jul 8, 2025 |
VYM vs XOEF Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares S&P 500 ex S&P 100 ETF (XOEF) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% while XOEF returned +22.92%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.34% versus a gain of 16.98% for XOEF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 11.3% for XOEF. 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 -7.7% for XOEF. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XOEF charges 0.20%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $20 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 1.06% for XOEF.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XOEF share 183 holdings out of 825 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XOEF?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XOEF charges 0.20%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XOEF?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% vs +22.92% for XOEF, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs +20.26% for XOEF. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XOEF?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.3% for XOEF. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XOEF -7.7%.
Should I hold both VYM and XOEF?
VYM and XOEF have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XOEF?
VYM and XOEF share 183 common holdings with a 29.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 825 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XOEF?
VYM yields 2.24% while XOEF yields 1.06%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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