DWSH vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDWSHVYMWinner
Expense Ratio6.22%0.04%
AUM$6M$79.0B
Dividend Yield6.47%2.86%
Holdings101568
YTD Return-11.96%+13.82%
1Y Return-16.24%+24.08%
3Y Return (annualized)-4.29%+17.72%
5Y Return (annualized)-4.16%+12.13%
Volatility (annualized)30.6%14.6%
Max Drawdown-83.8%-58.8%
Fund FamilyAdvisor SharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 10, 2018Nov 10, 2006

DWSH vs VYM Performance

AdvisorShares Dorsey Wright Short ETF (DWSH) is a ETF from Advisor Shares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DWSH returned -16.24% while VYM returned +24.08%. Year to date, DWSH is down 11.96% versus a gain of 13.82% for VYM.

Over three years, DWSH compounded at -4.29% per year against +17.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -4.16% and +12.13% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs -14.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DWSH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% 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 -83.8% for DWSH 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 -0.84. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DWSH charges 6.22% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $622 vs $4 annually, a gap of $618 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DWSH currently yields 6.47% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DWSH and VYM share 27 holdings out of 630 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DWSHWeight in VYMDifference
ABT-1.15%0.88%2.03%
2345:TW-1.11%0.57%1.68%
NKE-0.90%0.32%1.22%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DWSH or VYM?

DWSH has an expense ratio of 6.22% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $618 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DWSH or VYM?

Over the past year DWSH returned -16.24% vs +24.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DWSH annualized -14.50% vs +6.98% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DWSH or VYM?

DWSH has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DWSH -83.8% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both DWSH and VYM?

DWSH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DWSH and VYM?

DWSH and VYM share 27 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 630 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DWSH or VYM?

DWSH yields 6.47% while VYM yields 2.86%, so DWSH currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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