VYM vs XPND
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs First Trust Expanded Technology 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 | XPND | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $41M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.08% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +15.25% | +8.99% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.18% | +15.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.83% | +23.09% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.09% | +12.63% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 21.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -38.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jun 14, 2021 |
VYM vs XPND Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and First Trust Expanded Technology ETF (XPND) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +22.18% while XPND returned +15.17%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.25% versus a gain of 8.99% for XPND.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.83% per year against +23.09% for XPND; over five years the annualized figures are +12.09% and +12.63% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XPND has the edge at +13.96% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XPND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.7% 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 -38.0% for XPND. 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XPND charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $65 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 0.08% for XPND.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XPND share 9 holdings out of 644 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XPND?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XPND charges 0.65%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XPND?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.18% vs +15.17% for XPND, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VYM annualized +7.03% vs +13.96% for XPND. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XPND?
XPND has been the more volatile fund at 21.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XPND -38.0%.
Should I hold both VYM and XPND?
VYM and XPND have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XPND?
VYM and XPND share 9 common holdings with a 10.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 644 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XPND?
VYM yields 2.24% while XPND yields 0.08%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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