USMF 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

MetricUSMFVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.28%0.04%
AUM$298M$79.0B
Dividend Yield1.28%2.86%
Holdings200568
YTD Return+4.72%+15.20%
1Y Return+5.43%+25.56%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.76%+17.86%
5Y Return (annualized)+7.21%+12.35%
Volatility (annualized)14.9%14.6%
Max Drawdown-36.2%-58.8%
Fund FamilyWisdomTree InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 29, 2017Nov 10, 2006

USMF vs VYM Performance

WisdomTree US Multifactor Fund (USMF) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year USMF returned +5.43% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, USMF is up 4.72% versus a gain of 15.20% for VYM.

Over three years, USMF compounded at +11.76% per year against +17.86% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.21% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, USMF has the edge at +10.29% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

USMF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% 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 -36.2% for USMF 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

USMF charges 0.28% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $4 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USMF currently yields 1.28% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

18.9%overlap

USMF and VYM share 86 holdings out of 669 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.9% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in USMFWeight in VYMDifference
XOM0.49%2.83%2.34%
JNJ0.48%2.62%2.14%
CSCO1.37%1.39%0.02%
TProProPro
VZProProPro
KOProProPro
MRKProProPro
MCDProProPro
CMCSAProProPro
GLWProProPro
See all 10 holdings USMF shares with VYM
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, USMF or VYM?

USMF has an expense ratio of 0.28% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.

Which performed better, USMF or VYM?

Over the past year USMF returned +5.43% vs +25.56% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), USMF annualized +10.29% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, USMF or VYM?

USMF has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: USMF -36.2% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both USMF and VYM?

USMF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 USMF and VYM?

USMF and VYM share 86 common holdings with a 18.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 669 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, USMF or VYM?

USMF yields 1.28% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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