VYM vs XRLV
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Invesco S&P 500 ex-Rate Sensitive 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 | XRLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.25% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $29M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 2.08% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 102 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +6.61% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +5.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | +8.59% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +8.58% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 13.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -38.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Apr 6, 2015 |
VYM vs XRLV Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Invesco S&P 500 ex-Rate Sensitive Low Volatility ETF (XRLV) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% while XRLV returned +5.58%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.34% versus a gain of 6.61% for XRLV.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.22% per year against +8.59% for XRLV; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +8.58% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, XRLV has the edge at +9.89% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 13.5% for XRLV. 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 -38.3% for XRLV. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XRLV 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 2.08% for XRLV.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XRLV share 62 holdings out of 641 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XRLV?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XRLV 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 XRLV?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% vs +5.58% for XRLV, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs +9.89% for XRLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XRLV?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.5% for XRLV. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XRLV -38.3%.
Should I hold both VYM and XRLV?
VYM and XRLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XRLV?
VYM and XRLV share 62 common holdings with a 19.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 641 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XRLV?
VYM yields 2.24% while XRLV yields 2.08%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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