VBR vs VYM
VBR vs VYM
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VBR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VBR offers more diversification with 807 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VBR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $36.9B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.23% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 853 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.73% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.12% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.17% | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VBR vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Small Cap Value ETF (VBR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VBR returned +28.12% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, VBR is up 17.73% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Over three years, VBR compounded at +15.39% per year against +17.96% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.17% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VBR has the edge at +8.03% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VBR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -64.0% for VBR 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VBR charges 0.05% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VBR currently yields 2.23% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VBR and VYM share 306 holdings out of 1059 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VBR | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRG | 0.78% | 0.15% | 0.63% |
| TPR | 0.72% | 0.14% | 0.58% |
| ATO | 0.68% | 0.13% | 0.55% |
| OMC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WSM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CHRW | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| VTRS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HII | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VBR 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, VBR or VYM?
VBR has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VBR or VYM?
Over the past year VBR returned +28.12% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VBR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VBR annualized +8.03% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VBR or VYM?
VBR has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VBR -64.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VBR and VYM?
VBR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 VBR and VYM?
VBR and VYM share 306 common holdings with a 8.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1059 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VBR or VYM?
VBR yields 2.23% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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