DVY vs VYM
DVY vs VYM
iShares Select Dividend 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 | DVY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $23.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.37% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 105 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.29% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.62% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.89% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.39% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -65.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 3, 2003 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DVY vs VYM Performance
iShares Select Dividend ETF (DVY) 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 DVY returned +22.62% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, DVY is up 15.29% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, DVY compounded at +15.89% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.39% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +6.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DVY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% 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 -65.2% for DVY 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DVY charges 0.38% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $4 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DVY currently yields 3.37% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DVY and VYM share 98 holdings out of 560 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DVY | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XOM | 0.86% | 2.83% | 1.97% |
| MO | 2.22% | 0.51% | 1.71% |
| CVX | 1.18% | 1.53% | 0.35% |
| PFE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VZ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TROW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MRK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PRU | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings DVY 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, DVY or VYM?
DVY has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DVY or VYM?
Over the past year DVY returned +22.62% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DVY annualized +6.12% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DVY or VYM?
DVY has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DVY -65.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DVY and VYM?
DVY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 DVY and VYM?
DVY and VYM share 98 common holdings with a 21.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DVY or VYM?
DVY yields 3.37% while VYM yields 2.86%, so DVY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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