VYM vs XUSP
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Innovator Uncapped Accelerated US Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. XUSP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XUSP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $51M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 14 | |
| YTD Return | +16.10% | +15.48% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.99% | +26.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.29% | +24.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.35% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 17.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -22.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Aug 10, 2022 |
VYM vs XUSP Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator Uncapped Accelerated US Equity ETF (XUSP) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VYM returned +25.99% while XUSP returned +26.43%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.10% versus a gain of 15.48% for XUSP.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.29% per year against +24.50% for XUSP. Across the full 4-year window we track, XUSP has the edge at +19.62% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XUSP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -22.6% for XUSP. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XUSP charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $79 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 0.00% for XUSP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XUSP?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XUSP charges 0.79%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XUSP?
Over the past year VYM returned +25.99% vs +26.43% for XUSP, so XUSP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), VYM annualized +7.08% vs +19.62% for XUSP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XUSP?
XUSP has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XUSP -22.6%.
Should I hold both VYM and XUSP?
VYM and XUSP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XUSP?
VYM yields 2.86% while XUSP yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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