Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVYMXTENWinner
Expense Ratio0.04%0.08%
AUM$79.0B$1.0B
Dividend Yield2.86%4.28%
Holdings56871
YTD Return+15.80%-1.71%
1Y Return+26.12%+0.25%
3Y Return (annualized)+18.25%+2.03%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.51%-
Volatility (annualized)14.6%9.1%
Max Drawdown-58.8%-13.9%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)BondBloxx
CategoryEquityFixed Income
InceptionNov 10, 2006Sep 13, 2022

VYM vs XTEN Performance

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and BondBloxx Bloomberg Ten Year Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XTEN) is a ETF from BondBloxx. Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% while XTEN returned +0.25%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.80% versus a loss of 1.71% for XTEN.

Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.25% per year against +2.03% for XTEN. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +0.98%. 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 9.1% for XTEN. 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 -13.9% for XTEN. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VYM charges 0.04% per year while XTEN charges 0.08%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $8 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 4.28% for XTEN.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VYM and XTEN share 0 holdings out of 622 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VYM or XTEN?

VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XTEN charges 0.08%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.

Which performed better, VYM or XTEN?

Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% vs +0.25% for XTEN, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), VYM annualized +7.07% vs +0.98% for XTEN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VYM or XTEN?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.1% for XTEN. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XTEN -13.9%.

Should I hold both VYM and XTEN?

VYM and XTEN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XTEN?

VYM and XTEN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 622 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XTEN?

VYM yields 2.86% while XTEN yields 4.28%, so XTEN currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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