VOT vs VYM
VOT vs VYM
Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth 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 | VOT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $19.9B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.65% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 136 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.41% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.15% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.47% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.86% | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 17, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VOT vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Mid-Cap Growth ETF (VOT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOT returned +2.15% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, VOT is up 5.41% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Over three years, VOT compounded at +12.47% per year against +16.97% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.86% and +12.26% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOT has the edge at +9.43% annualized vs +6.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -60.3% for VOT 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOT 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, VOT currently yields 0.65% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VOT and VYM share 15 holdings out of 664 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VOT | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| STX | 2.37% | 0.38% | 1.99% |
| TRGP | 1.26% | 0.22% | 1.04% |
| FAST | 1.21% | 0.23% | 0.98% |
| MCHP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| YUM | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| GRMN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PAYX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ROK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| APO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ARES | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VOT 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, VOT or VYM?
VOT 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, VOT or VYM?
Over the past year VOT returned +2.15% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VOT annualized +9.43% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOT or VYM?
VOT has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VOT -60.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VOT and VYM?
VOT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOT and VYM?
VOT and VYM share 15 common holdings with a 2.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 664 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOT or VYM?
VOT yields 0.65% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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