SPLV vs. VYMI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

SPLV (Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF) and VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPLV is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Low Volatility Index, while VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SPLV returned 8.12%/yr vs 10.47%/yr for VYMI. A 0.53 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SPLV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VYMI.

Performance

SPLV vs. VYMI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SPLV achieves a 2.34% return, which is significantly lower than VYMI's 11.99% return. Over the past 10 years, SPLV has underperformed VYMI with an annualized return of 8.12%, while VYMI has yielded a comparatively higher 10.47% annualized return.

SPLV

• 1D: 1.00%
• 1M: -1.54%
• YTD: 2.34%
• 6M: 2.40%
• 1Y: 1.57%
• 3Y*: 7.86%
• 5Y*: 5.54%
• 10Y*: 8.12%

VYMI

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 1.65%
• YTD: 11.99%
• 6M: 15.12%
• 1Y: 30.78%
• 3Y*: 22.30%
• 5Y*: 12.09%
• 10Y*: 10.47%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

SPLV vs. VYMI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SPLV Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF	2.34%	4.10%	13.93%	0.53%	-4.88%	24.13%	-1.39%	27.87%	-0.19%	17.32%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	11.99%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	22.36%

Correlation

The correlation between SPLV and VYMI is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.50
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 3, 2016	0.53

The correlation between SPLV and VYMI shifts across timeframes, from 0.39 (1 year) to 0.53 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SPLV vs. VYMI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SPLV	VYMI
Utilities	26.8%	5.6%
Financial Services	16.6%	41.9%
Real Estate	14.8%	1.3%
Consumer Defensive	10.8%	7.0%
Industrials	10.1%	6.6%
Healthcare	6.8%	6.6%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	6.5%
Technology	4.6%	4.3%
Basic Materials	2.0%	6.8%
Energy	0.9%	9.5%
Communication Services	0.9%	4.0%

Return for Risk

SPLV vs. VYMI — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

SPLV

SPLV Risk / Return Rank: 11
SPLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
SPLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
SPLV Omega Ratio Rank: 11
SPLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
SPLV Martin Ratio Rank: 12

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 70
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 74
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 67

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

SPLV vs. VYMI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	SPLV	VYMI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.16	2.39	-2.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.29	3.25	-2.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.03	1.43	-0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.21	3.05	-2.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.51	12.01	-11.50
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SPLV vs. VYMI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPLV Sharpe Ratio is 0.16, which is lower than the VYMI Sharpe Ratio of 2.39. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPLV and VYMI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SPLV	VYMI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.16	2.39	-2.23
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.45	0.82	-0.37
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53	0.62	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.68	0.65	+0.03

Drawdowns

SPLV vs. VYMI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPLV drawdown since its inception was -36.26%, smaller than the maximum VYMI drawdown of -40.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPLV and VYMI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPLV	VYMI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-36.26%	-40.00%	+3.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.41%	-10.14%	+2.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.64%	-12.84%	+3.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.26%	-24.05%	+6.79%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-36.26%	-40.00%	+3.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.97%	-0.80%	-5.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.55%	-6.31%	+2.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.07%	2.57%	+0.50%

Volatility

SPLV vs. VYMI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV) is 3.17%, while Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) has a volatility of 3.96%. This indicates that SPLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VYMI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SPLV	VYMI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.17%	3.96%	-0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.82%	10.74%	-3.92%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.83%	12.94%	-3.11%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.46%	14.84%	-2.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.36%	16.87%	-1.51%

SPLV vs. VYMI - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPLV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is higher than VYMI's 0.07% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

SPLV vs. VYMI - Dividend Comparison

SPLV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.20%, less than VYMI's 3.42% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SPLV Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF	2.20%	2.04%	1.88%	2.45%	2.11%	1.51%	2.12%	2.08%	2.18%	2.03%	2.03%	2.28%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.42%	3.68%	4.84%	4.58%	4.70%	4.30%	3.22%	4.20%	4.29%	3.21%	2.39%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPLV and VYMI in my portfolio?

SPLV and VYMI have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPLV or VYMI?

VYMI has higher volatility (3.96%) compared to SPLV (3.17%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPLV dropped -36.26% vs VYMI's -40.00%.

Which ETF is better, SPLV or VYMI?

On 10-year performance, VYMI leads with 10.47% vs 8.12% for SPLV. On fees, VYMI is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, SPLV has been the lower-risk option at 3.17%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPLV or VYMI?

Over the 10-year period, VYMI has performed better with a 10.47% return vs 8.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPLV or VYMI?

VYMI is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for SPLV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SPLV or VYMI?

VYMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.42%, compared with 2.20% for SPLV.

What is the main difference between SPLV and VYMI?

SPLV is categorized as S&P 500, while VYMI is Dividend. SPLV tracks S&P 500 Low Volatility Index, while VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for SPLV and 0.07% for VYMI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 0.16), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.