VNQ vs VYM
VNQ vs VYM
Vanguard Real Estate ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VNQ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.13% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $38.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.52% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 144 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.93% | +15.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.73% | +25.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.52% | +17.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.13% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2004 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VNQ vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VNQ returned +13.73% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, VNQ is up 12.93% versus a gain of 15.20% for VYM.
Over three years, VNQ compounded at +9.52% per year against +17.86% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.13% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +4.12%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VNQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -75.8% for VNQ 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VNQ charges 0.13% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $13 vs $4 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VNQ currently yields 3.52% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VNQ or VYM?
VNQ has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VNQ or VYM?
Over the past year VNQ returned +13.73% vs +25.56% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VNQ annualized +4.12% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VNQ or VYM?
VNQ has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VNQ -75.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VNQ and VYM?
VNQ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VNQ and VYM?
VNQ and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 700 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VNQ or VYM?
VNQ yields 3.52% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VNQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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