ETF Comparison
VYM vs SPYD: Which Is the Better Pick in 2026?
A head-to-head comparison of Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares and SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
Data updated April 5, 2026
Side-by-side snapshot
| VYM | SPYD | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares | SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF |
| Issuer | Vanguard | State Street |
| Price | $147.95 | $45.35 |
| Distribution yield | 2.26% | 4.08% |
| Expense ratio | 0.04% | 0.07% |
| AUM | $92.3B | $7.5B |
| Distribution frequency | Quarterly | Quarterly |
| Underlying index | Basket (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holdings) | S&P 500 High Dividend Index |
| Objective | Seeks to track the performance of the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, which offers exposure to dividend-paying large-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics within the U.S. equity market. The index includes stocks with a history of paying above-average dividends. | Track the S&P 500 High Dividend Index, holding the highest-yielding stocks within the S&P 500. |
| Asset class | Equity | Equity |
| Inception date | 11/10/2006 | 10/21/2015 |
| Beta | 0.74 | 0.77 |
| Last dividend | $0.86 | $0.45 |
| Ex-dividend date | 03/20/2026 | 03/23/2026 |
Visual comparison
Key metrics
Projected income on $10K
Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares) and SPYD (SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF) are both popular quarterly-pay seeks to track the performance of the ftse high dividend yield index, which offers exposure to dividend-paying large-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics within the u.s. equity market. the index includes stocks with a history of paying above-average dividends. ETFs, but they take different approaches.
SPYD offers the higher yield at 4.08% vs 2.26% for VYM. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
VYM is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.04% compared to 0.07%.
They track different benchmarks: VYM is linked to Basket (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holdings) while SPYD tracks S&P 500 High Dividend Index, which means their performance drivers differ.
VYM is the larger fund by assets ($92.3B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, VYM would generate roughly $18.83/month while SPYD would produce $34.00/month at current distribution rates. Both pay quarterly distributions.
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, VYM would cost approximately $40 in fees vs $70 for SPYD (simplified, not compounded). The $30.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
Strategy & risk
VYM tracks Basket (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holdings) with a seeks to track the performance of the ftse high dividend yield index, which offers exposure to dividend-paying large-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics within the u.s. equity market. the index includes stocks with a history of paying above-average dividends. approach, while SPYD tracks S&P 500 High Dividend Index using a track the s&p 500 high dividend index, holding the highest-yielding stocks within the s&p 500. strategy. Beta is 0.74 for VYM and 0.77 for SPYD, indicating VYM is less volatile relative to the market.
Fund details
VYM is managed by Vanguard (launched 11/10/2006) with $92.3B in assets. SPYD is managed by State Street (launched 10/21/2015) with $7.5B in assets.
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
Frequently asked questions
Is VYM or SPYD better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. SPYD currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between VYM and SPYD?
VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares) tracks Basket (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF holdings) with a seeks to track the performance of the ftse high dividend yield index, which offers exposure to dividend-paying large-cap companies that exhibit value characteristics within the u.s. equity market. the index includes stocks with a history of paying above-average dividends. strategy, while SPYD (SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF) tracks S&P 500 High Dividend Index with a track the s&p 500 high dividend index, holding the highest-yielding stocks within the s&p 500. approach. They are issued by Vanguard and State Street respectively.
Can I hold both VYM and SPYD?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify across different strategies and underlying indexes. This can reduce concentration risk while maintaining a strong income stream.
Which has lower fees, VYM or SPYD?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while SPYD charges 0.07%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in VYM vs SPYD generate?
At current yields, $10,000 in VYM would generate roughly $18.83 per month ($226.00 annually). The same in SPYD would produce about $34.00 per month ($408.00 annually).
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