VYM vs XTN
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Transportation ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. XTN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XTN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $401M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.64% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 45 | |
| YTD Return | +15.80% | +21.69% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.12% | +38.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.25% | +10.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | +7.06% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 23.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -44.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
VYM vs XTN Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (XTN) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% while XTN returned +38.27%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.80% versus a gain of 21.69% for XTN.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.25% per year against +10.64% for XTN; over five years the annualized figures are +12.51% and +7.06% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, XTN has the edge at +10.30% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XTN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.1% 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 -44.9% for XTN. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XTN 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 0.64% for XTN.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XTN share 0 holdings out of 561 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 XTN?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XTN 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 XTN?
Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% vs +38.27% for XTN, so XTN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VYM annualized +7.07% vs +10.30% for XTN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XTN?
XTN has been the more volatile fund at 23.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XTN -44.9%.
Should I hold both VYM and XTN?
VYM and XTN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XTN?
VYM and XTN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XTN?
VYM yields 2.86% while XTN yields 0.64%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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