VYM vs XVV
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs iShares ESG Select Screened S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XVV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.08% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $685M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.94% | |
| Holdings | 613 | 448 | |
| YTD Return | +14.87% | +11.61% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.39% | +19.59% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.69% | +20.95% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.98% | +12.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.5% | 16.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -27.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Sep 22, 2020 |
VYM vs XVV Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and iShares ESG Select Screened S&P 500 ETF (XVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year VYM returned +21.39% while XVV returned +19.59%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.87% versus a gain of 11.61% for XVV.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.69% per year against +20.95% for XVV; over five years the annualized figures are +11.98% and +12.19% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, XVV has the edge at +16.80% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
XVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% compared with 14.5% 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 -27.2% for XVV. 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 XVV 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 2.24% against 0.94% for XVV.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XVV share 201 holdings out of 845 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XVV?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XVV 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 XVV?
Over the past year VYM returned +21.39% vs +19.59% for XVV, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VYM annualized +7.00% vs +16.80% for XVV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XVV?
XVV has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XVV -27.2%.
Should I hold both VYM and XVV?
VYM and XVV 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 XVV?
VYM and XVV share 201 common holdings with a 30.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 845 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XVV?
VYM yields 2.24% while XVV yields 0.94%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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