VSLU vs VYM
Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, VSLU or VYM?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VSLU led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.8% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 52.7%.
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 | VSLU | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $580M | $78.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.42% | 2.37% |
| Holdings | 920 | 608 |
| YTD Return | +13.05%Best | +11.83% |
| 1Y Return | +17.25%Best | +15.96% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.57%Best | +18.60% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.14%Best | +11.51% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 13.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9% | -15.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $19,373Best | $17,241 |
| Top 10 Weight | 52.7% | 25.8%Best |
| Fund Family | Applied Finance Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Apr 29, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 30, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (5.5 years).
VSLU vs VYM 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 5.5 years both funds cover.
VSLU vs VYM Performance
Applied Finance Valuation Large Cap ETF (VSLU) is an ETF from Applied Finance Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VSLU returned +17.25% while VYM returned +15.96%. Year to date, VSLU is up 13.05% versus a gain of 11.83% for VYM.
Over three years, VSLU compounded at +22.57% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +14.14% and +11.51% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VSLU has the edge at +14.00% annualized vs +11.35%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VSLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.5% 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 -23.9% for VSLU and -15.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VSLU charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VSLU currently yields 0.42% against 2.37% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
28.7% of VSLU's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 61.6% of VYM's money is in holdings VSLU also owns.
The two portfolios partly overlap.
199 positions in common, counted across the 456 positions we hold weights for in VSLU and 602 in VYM, against full books of 920 and 608.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 374 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for VSLU (36.2% of the fund), and 249 for VSLU that do not appear in VYM (71.1%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VSLU | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGOBroadcom Inc | 2.65% | 6.94% | 4.29% |
| JNJJohnson & Johnson - Common | 1.28% | 2.58% | 1.30% |
| ABBVAbbvie Inc. | 1.20% | 1.83% | 0.63% |
| MRKMerck & Company Inc | 1.39% | 1.47% | 0.08% |
| PMPhilip Morris International Inc. | 0.98% | 1.18% | 0.20% |
| HDHome Depot Inc/The | 0.77% | 1.32% | 0.55% |
| CSCOCisco Systems Inc. - Ordinary Shares | 0.33% | 1.76% | 1.43% |
| KOCoca Cola Co. | 0.68% | 1.39% | 0.71% |
| PGProcter & Gamble Company | 0.55% | 1.36% | 0.81% |
| CATCaterpillar, Inc. | 0.45% | 1.46% | 1.01% |
61.6% of VYM is already inside VSLU.
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, VSLU or VYM?
VSLU has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $45 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VSLU or VYM?
Over the past year VSLU returned +17.25% vs +15.96% for VYM, so VSLU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VSLU annualized +14.00% vs +11.35% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VSLU or VYM?
VSLU has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VSLU -23.9% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both VSLU and VYM?
VSLU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, 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 VSLU and VYM?
61.6% of VYM's money is in holdings VSLU also owns. 61.6% of VYM's is in holdings VSLU also owns. They hold 199 positions in common, counted across the 456 positions we hold weights for in VSLU and 602 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, VSLU or VYM?
VSLU yields 0.42% while VYM yields 2.37%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than VSLU?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VSLU led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.8% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 52.7%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.