VYM vs XHLF
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF
Which is better, VYM or XHLF?
Large Cap Value against Short Term High Quality.
XHLF has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
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 | XHLF |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $78.9B | $2.0B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.37% | 3.80% |
| Holdings | 608 | 30 |
| YTD Return | +11.83%Best | +2.23% |
| 1Y Return | +15.96%Best | +3.15% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60%Best | +4.19% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.51% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 0.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -14.5% | -0.3%Best |
| $10,000 over 4.1 years | $17,491Best | $11,828 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | BondBloxx |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Short Term High Quality |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Sep 13, 2022 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 4.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 16, 2022 to Oct 14, 2026 (4.1 years).
VYM vs XHLF 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 4.1 years both funds cover.
VYM vs XHLF Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and BondBloxx Bloomberg Six Month Target Duration US Treasury ETF (XHLF) is an ETF from BondBloxx. Over the past year VYM returned +15.96% while XHLF returned +3.15%. Year to date, VYM is up 11.83% versus a gain of 2.23% for XHLF.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.60% per year against +4.19% for XHLF. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +14.61% annualized vs +4.18%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 12.9% compared with 0.5% for XHLF. 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 -14.5% for VYM and -0.3% for XHLF. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.06. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XHLF charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $3 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.37% against 3.80% for XHLF.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VYM and XHLF you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XHLF?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XHLF charges 0.03%. XHLF is the cheaper option, by $1 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VYM or XHLF?
Over the past year VYM returned +15.96% vs +3.15% for XHLF, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), VYM annualized +14.61% vs +4.18% for XHLF. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VYM or XHLF?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 12.9% annualized versus 0.5% for XHLF. Worst drawdown: VYM -14.5% vs XHLF -0.3%.
Should I hold both VYM and XHLF?
VYM and XHLF have a monthly-return correlation of -0.06, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XHLF?
VYM yields 2.37% while XHLF yields 3.80%, so XHLF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XHLF better than VYM?
XHLF has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.