VTWAX vs VYM
VTWAX vs VYM
Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund Admiral Class vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTWAX offers more diversification with 9790 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTWAX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $12.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.55% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 10,039 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.85% | +15.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.37% | +25.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.61% | +17.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.84% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 7, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VTWAX vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Total World Stock Index Fund Admiral Class (VTWAX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTWAX returned +23.37% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, VTWAX is up 12.85% versus a gain of 15.20% for VYM.
Over three years, VTWAX compounded at +17.61% per year against +17.86% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.84% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTWAX has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTWAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -28.0% for VTWAX 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTWAX charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTWAX currently yields 1.55% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VTWAX and VYM share 556 holdings out of 9792 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VTWAX | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 1.42% | 6.47% | 5.05% |
| JPM:US | 0.74% | 3.36% | 2.62% |
| XOM | 0.55% | 2.83% | 2.28% |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CVX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings VTWAX 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, VTWAX or VYM?
VTWAX has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTWAX or VYM?
Over the past year VTWAX returned +23.37% vs +25.56% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VTWAX annualized +8.84% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTWAX or VYM?
VTWAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VTWAX -28.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VTWAX and VYM?
VTWAX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTWAX and VYM?
VTWAX and VYM share 556 common holdings with a 20.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 9792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTWAX or VYM?
VTWAX yields 1.55% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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