VYM vs XTN
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Transportation ETF
Which is better, VYM or XTN?
Large Cap Value against Mid Cap Blend.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, XTN over 1Y. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 30.2%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XTN |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04%Best | 0.35% |
| AUM | $81.6B | $348M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 0.70% |
| Holdings | 613 | 44 |
| YTD Return | +11.47%Best | +9.31% |
| 1Y Return | +15.94% | +19.56%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.03%Best | +11.41% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.35%Best | +4.32% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9%Best | 23.1% |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7%Best | -44.9% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,901Best | $12,355 |
| Top 10 Weight | 26.1%Best | 30.2% |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | State Street Investment Management |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Mid Cap Blend |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 27, 2011 to Sep 21, 2026 (15.6 years).
VYM vs XTN growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 15.6 years both funds cover.
VYM vs XTN Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Transportation ETF (XTN) is an ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year VYM returned +15.94% while XTN returned +19.56%. Year to date, VYM is up 11.47% versus a gain of 9.31% for XTN.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.03% per year against +11.41% for XTN; over five years the annualized figures are +12.35% and +4.32% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.80% annualized vs +9.46%.
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 12.9% 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 -35.7% for VYM and -44.9% for XTN. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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 2.22% against 0.70% for XTN.
Holdings Overlap
1.9% of VYM's money is in holdings XTN also owns. 25.4% of XTN's money is in holdings VYM also owns.
XTN and VYM share little of their money.
10 positions in common, counted across the 557 positions we hold weights for in VYM and 44 in XTN, against full books of 613 and 44.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 557 and 44 positions we hold weights for.
VYM holds 518 positions XTN does not, 95.2% of the fund.
Largest: AVGO 7.35%, JPM 3.82%, XOM 2.63%, JNJ 2.51%, CSCO 1.86%
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VYM | Weight in XTN | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNPUnion Pacific Corp | 0.70% | 3.02% | 2.32% |
| NSCNorfolk Southern Corp | 0.31% | 2.98% | 2.67% |
| FDXFedex Corp | 0.27% | 2.76% | 2.49% |
| UPSUnited Parcel Service, Inc | 0.32% | 2.71% | 2.39% |
| LUVSouthwest Airlines Co. | 0.08% | 2.50% | 2.42% |
| SNDRSchneider National Inc | 0.01% | 2.50% | 2.49% |
| RRyder System Inc | 0.04% | 2.43% | 2.39% |
| CHRWCH Robinson Worldwide | 0.07% | 2.18% | 2.11% |
| LSTRLandstar System Inc | 0.02% | 2.22% | 2.20% |
| FDXFFedex Freight Holding Company Inc | 0.06% | 2.05% | 1.99% |
25.4% of XTN is already inside VYM.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $31 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VYM or XTN?
Over the past year VYM returned +15.94% vs +19.56% for XTN, so XTN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VYM annualized +9.80% vs +9.46% for XTN. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VYM or XTN?
XTN has been the more volatile fund at 23.1% annualized versus 12.9% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -35.7% vs XTN -44.9%.
Should I hold both VYM and XTN?
VYM and XTN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XTN?
25.4% of XTN's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 25.4% of XTN's is in holdings VYM also owns. They hold 10 positions in common, counted across the 557 positions we hold weights for in VYM and 44 in XTN.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XTN?
VYM yields 2.22% while XTN yields 0.70%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XTN better than VYM?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 3Y, 5Y and the full window, XTN over 1Y. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 30.2%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.