DSI vs VYM
DSI vs VYM
iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DSI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $5.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 407 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.79% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.26% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.27% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.77% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 14, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DSI vs VYM Performance
iShares ESG MSCI KLD 400 ETF (DSI) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DSI returned +24.26% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, DSI is up 14.79% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, DSI compounded at +21.27% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.77% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, DSI has the edge at +9.70% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DSI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -55.1% for DSI 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DSI charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DSI currently yields 0.87% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DSI and VYM share 172 holdings out of 788 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DSI | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ABBV | 1.29% | 1.80% | 0.51% |
| CAT | 1.30% | 1.51% | 0.21% |
| PG | 1.00% | 1.72% | 0.72% |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| IBM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MCD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DSI shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DSI or VYM?
DSI has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DSI or VYM?
Over the past year DSI returned +24.26% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DSI annualized +9.70% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DSI or VYM?
DSI has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DSI -55.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DSI and VYM?
DSI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DSI and VYM?
DSI and VYM share 172 common holdings with a 30.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 788 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DSI or VYM?
DSI yields 0.87% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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