VYM vs XT
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. XT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XT | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.46% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $4.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 7.20% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 226 | |
| YTD Return | +14.95% | +19.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.14% | +32.55% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.69% | +19.04% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.00% | +7.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 17.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -34.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 19, 2015 |
VYM vs XT Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares Future Exponential Technologies ETF (XT) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year VYM returned +21.14% while XT returned +32.55%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.95% versus a gain of 19.42% for XT.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.69% per year against +19.04% for XT; over five years the annualized figures are +12.00% and +7.01% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, XT has the edge at +11.88% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -34.4% for XT. 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 XT charges 0.46%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $46 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 7.20% for XT.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XT share 29 holdings out of 770 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XT?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XT charges 0.46%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XT?
Over the past year VYM returned +21.14% vs +32.55% for XT, so XT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +11.88% for XT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XT?
XT has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XT -34.4%.
Should I hold both VYM and XT?
VYM and XT 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 XT?
VYM and XT share 29 common holdings with a 16.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 770 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XT?
VYM yields 2.24% while XT yields 7.20%, so XT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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