VYM vs. XLC

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) and XLC (Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, while XLC is a Communications Equities fund tracking the S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VYM returned 11.59%/yr vs 8.03%/yr for XLC. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VYM charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLC.

Performance

VYM vs. XLC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VYM achieves a 12.37% return, which is significantly higher than XLC's -4.85% return.

VYM

• 1D: 0.80%
• 1M: 1.97%
• YTD: 12.37%
• 6M: 11.19%
• 1Y: 25.94%
• 3Y*: 18.06%
• 5Y*: 11.59%
• 10Y*: 11.95%

XLC

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -4.66%
• YTD: -4.85%
• 6M: -3.59%
• 1Y: 10.19%
• 3Y*: 21.60%
• 5Y*: 8.03%
• 10Y*: —

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

VYM vs. XLC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	12.37%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.76%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	-4.85%	23.08%	34.71%	52.82%	-37.63%	15.96%	26.90%	31.05%	-16.45%

Correlation

The correlation between VYM and XLC is 0.46, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.50
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 19, 2018	0.59

The correlation between VYM and XLC shifts across timeframes, from 0.46 (1 year) to 0.59 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

VYM vs. XLC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VYM	XLC
Financial Services	20.5%	-
Technology	17.7%	4.7%
Healthcare	12.2%	-
Industrials	12.1%	-
Energy	9.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	8.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.7%	-
Utilities	5.7%	-
Communication Services	3.5%	95.1%
Basic Materials	3.5%	-
Real Estate	0.0%	-

Return for Risk

VYM vs. XLC — Risk / Return Rank

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

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 83
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 81
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 81

XLC

XLC Risk / Return Rank: 22
XLC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Omega Ratio Rank: 20
XLC Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
XLC Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

VYM vs. XLC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) and Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	VYM	XLC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.37	0.69	+1.68
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.37	1.08	+2.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.12	+0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	0.86	+2.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	13.81	2.73	+11.08

VYM vs. XLC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VYM Sharpe Ratio is 2.37, which is higher than the XLC Sharpe Ratio of 0.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VYM and XLC, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

VYM vs. XLC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VYM drawdown since its inception was -56.98%, which is greater than XLC's maximum drawdown of -46.65%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VYM and XLC.

Drawdown Indicators

	VYM	XLC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.98%	-46.65%	-10.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.69%	-10.57%	+3.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.46%	-17.97%	+3.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-15.84%	-46.65%	+30.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.21%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.52%	-6.72%	+6.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.18%	-10.58%	+3.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.80%	3.33%	-1.53%

Volatility

VYM vs. XLC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is 3.31%, while Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLC) has a volatility of 3.57%. This indicates that VYM experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VYM	XLC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.31%	3.57%	-0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.81%	9.65%	-1.84%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.47%	13.28%	-2.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.99%	20.68%	-6.69%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.35%	22.17%	-5.82%

VYM vs. XLC - Expense Ratio Comparison

VYM has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than XLC's 0.13% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VYM vs. XLC - Dividend Comparison

VYM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.19%, more than XLC's 1.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.19%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%
XLC Communication Services Select Sector SPDR Fund	1.25%	1.13%	0.99%	0.82%	1.10%	0.74%	0.68%	0.82%	0.64%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VYM and XLC in my portfolio?

VYM and XLC have a correlation of 0.46, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VYM or XLC?

XLC has higher volatility (3.57%) compared to VYM (3.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VYM dropped -56.98% vs XLC's -46.65%.

Which ETF is better, VYM or XLC?

On 5-year performance, VYM leads with 11.59% vs 8.03% for XLC. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VYM has been the lower-risk option at 3.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VYM or XLC?

Over the 5-year period, VYM has performed better with a 11.59% return vs 8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VYM or XLC?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.13% for XLC.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VYM or XLC?

VYM has the higher dividend yield at 2.19%, compared with 1.25% for XLC.

What is the main difference between VYM and XLC?

VYM is categorized as Dividend, while XLC is Communications Equities. VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, while XLC tracks S&P Communication Services Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VYM and 0.13% for XLC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 0.69), 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.