VCRB vs VYM
VCRB vs VYM
Vanguard Core Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VCRB offers more diversification with 1223 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VCRB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.57% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3,173 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.02% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.31% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 12, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VCRB vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VCRB returned +2.31% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, VCRB is down 0.02% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 4.2% for VCRB. 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 -4.1% for VCRB 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VCRB charges 0.10% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $4 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VCRB currently yields 4.57% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VCRB and VYM share 0 holdings out of 1781 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VCRB or VYM?
VCRB has an expense ratio of 0.10% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VCRB or VYM?
Over the past year VCRB returned +2.31% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VCRB annualized +4.09% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VCRB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.2% for VCRB. Worst drawdown: VCRB -4.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VCRB and VYM?
VCRB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VCRB and VYM?
VCRB and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1781 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VCRB or VYM?
VCRB yields 4.57% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VCRB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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