VYM vs XPH
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. XPH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XPH | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $479M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.51% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 67 | |
| YTD Return | +16.10% | +27.26% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.99% | +61.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.29% | +18.38% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.35% | +8.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 19.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -52.7% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jun 19, 2006 |
VYM vs XPH Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Pharmaceuticals ETF (XPH) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VYM returned +25.99% while XPH returned +61.71%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.10% versus a gain of 27.26% for XPH.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.29% per year against +18.38% for XPH; over five years the annualized figures are +12.35% and +8.32% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, XPH has the edge at +8.08% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XPH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.4% 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 -52.7% for XPH. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XPH 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 2.86% against 0.51% for XPH.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XPH share 7 holdings out of 611 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XPH?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XPH 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 XPH?
Over the past year VYM returned +25.99% vs +61.71% for XPH, so XPH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VYM annualized +7.08% vs +8.08% for XPH. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XPH?
XPH has been the more volatile fund at 19.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XPH -52.7%.
Should I hold both VYM and XPH?
VYM and XPH have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XPH?
VYM and XPH share 7 common holdings with a 4.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XPH?
VYM yields 2.86% while XPH yields 0.51%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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