VTSAX vs VYM
VTSAX vs VYM
Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTSAX offers more diversification with 2728 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTSAX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $489.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.04% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3,543 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.15% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.40% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.85% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.36% | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VTSAX vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Total Stock Market Index Fund Admiral Shares (VTSAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTSAX returned +20.40% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, VTSAX is up 11.15% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Over three years, VTSAX compounded at +18.85% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.36% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTSAX has the edge at +10.36% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTSAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -26.3% for VTSAX 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTSAX charges 0.04% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $4 annually. On income, VTSAX currently yields 1.04% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VTSAX and VYM share 424 holdings out of 2862 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 VTSAX | 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 VTSAX 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, VTSAX or VYM?
VTSAX 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, VTSAX or VYM?
Over the past year VTSAX returned +20.40% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTSAX annualized +10.36% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTSAX or VYM?
VTSAX has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VTSAX -26.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VTSAX and VYM?
VTSAX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTSAX and VYM?
VTSAX and VYM share 424 common holdings with a 29.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2862 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTSAX or VYM?
VTSAX yields 1.04% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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