VPLS vs VYM
VPLS vs VYM
Vanguard Core-Plus Bond 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 | VPLS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.73% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 2,567 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.02% | +15.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.52% | +25.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VPLS vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Core-Plus Bond ETF (VPLS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VPLS returned +2.52% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, VPLS is down 0.02% versus a gain of 15.20% 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 VPLS. 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 -3.0% for VPLS 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VPLS charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VPLS currently yields 4.73% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VPLS and VYM share 0 holdings out of 718 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, VPLS or VYM?
VPLS has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VPLS or VYM?
Over the past year VPLS returned +2.52% vs +25.56% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VPLS annualized +6.38% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VPLS or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.2% for VPLS. Worst drawdown: VPLS -3.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VPLS and VYM?
VPLS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VPLS and VYM?
VPLS and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 718 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VPLS or VYM?
VPLS yields 4.73% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VPLS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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