VIG vs VYM
VIG vs VYM
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $110.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.79% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 335 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.31% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.96% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.93% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.51% | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VIG vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIG returned +17.96% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, VIG is up 9.31% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Over three years, VIG compounded at +14.93% per year against +16.97% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.51% and +12.26% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VIG has the edge at +8.56% annualized vs +6.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.3% for VIG. 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 -48.2% for VIG 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIG charges 0.04% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $4 annually. On income, VIG currently yields 1.79% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VIG and VYM share 178 holdings out of 711 unique holdings combined, representing a 57.4% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VIG | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 4.55% | 6.47% | 1.92% |
| JPM | 3.57% | 3.36% | 0.21% |
| XOM | 2.48% | 2.83% | 0.35% |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VIG 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, VIG or VYM?
VIG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VYM charges 0.04%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VIG or VYM?
Over the past year VIG returned +17.96% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VIG annualized +8.56% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.3% for VIG. Worst drawdown: VIG -48.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VIG and VYM?
VIG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 VIG and VYM?
VIG and VYM share 178 common holdings with a 57.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 711 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIG or VYM?
VIG yields 1.79% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.