DBEF vs VYM
DBEF vs VYM
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DBEF delivered stronger 1-year returns. DBEF offers more diversification with 675 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DBEF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $9.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.31% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 707 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.95% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.16% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.30% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.70% | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 9, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DBEF vs VYM Performance
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE Hedged Equity ETF (DBEF) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBEF returned +27.16% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, DBEF is up 12.95% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Over three years, DBEF compounded at +18.30% per year against +16.97% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.70% and +12.26% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, DBEF has the edge at +10.36% annualized vs +6.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.5% for DBEF. 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 -32.5% for DBEF and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DBEF charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBEF currently yields 2.31% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DBEF and VYM share 0 holdings out of 1233 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DBEF or VYM?
DBEF has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DBEF or VYM?
Over the past year DBEF returned +27.16% vs +23.76% for VYM, so DBEF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DBEF annualized +10.36% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBEF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.5% for DBEF. Worst drawdown: DBEF -32.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DBEF and VYM?
DBEF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DBEF and VYM?
DBEF and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1233 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBEF or VYM?
DBEF yields 2.31% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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