VTI vs VYM
VTI vs VYM
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $663.5B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.07% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.14% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.82% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.94% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.79% | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 24, 2001 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VTI vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTI returned +19.82% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, VTI is up 10.14% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Over three years, VTI compounded at +18.94% per year against +16.97% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.79% and +12.26% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +6.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -56.6% for VTI 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTI charges 0.03% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTI currently yields 1.07% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VTI and VYM share 455 holdings out of 2886 unique holdings combined, representing a 29.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VTI | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 2.46% | 6.47% | 4.01% |
| JPM | 1.11% | 3.36% | 2.25% |
| XOM | 0.78% | 2.83% | 2.05% |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VTI 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, VTI or VYM?
VTI has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTI or VYM?
Over the past year VTI returned +19.82% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VTI annualized +7.99% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTI or VYM?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VTI -56.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VTI and VYM?
VTI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 VTI and VYM?
VTI and VYM share 455 common holdings with a 29.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2886 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTI or VYM?
VTI yields 1.07% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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