VYM vs YSPY
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs GraniteShares YieldBOOST SPY ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | YSPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 1.15% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $11M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 55.95% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +15.80% | +4.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.12% | +16.84% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.25% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 18.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -15.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | GraniteShares | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Feb 26, 2025 |
VYM vs YSPY Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and GraniteShares YieldBOOST SPY ETF (YSPY) is a ETF from GraniteShares. Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% while YSPY returned +16.84%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.80% versus a gain of 4.14% for YSPY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YSPY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -15.1% for YSPY. 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while YSPY charges 1.15%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $115 annually, a gap of $111 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 55.95% for YSPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or YSPY?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YSPY charges 1.15%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $111 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or YSPY?
Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% vs +16.84% for YSPY, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), VYM annualized +7.07% vs +19.50% for YSPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or YSPY?
YSPY has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs YSPY -15.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and YSPY?
VYM and YSPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or YSPY?
VYM yields 2.86% while YSPY yields 55.95%, so YSPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.