VYM vs WEA
VYM vs WEA
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Western Asset Premier Bond Fund
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 | VYM | WEA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 1.22% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $132M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 7.44% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 386 | |
| YTD Return | +13.24% | -1.89% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.76% | +4.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.97% | +6.23% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.26% | +0.55% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 15.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -64.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 28, 2002 |
VYM vs WEA Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Western Asset Premier Bond Fund (WEA) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year VYM returned +23.76% while WEA returned +4.16%. Year to date, VYM is up 13.24% versus a loss of 1.89% for WEA.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +16.97% per year against +6.23% for WEA; over five years the annualized figures are +12.26% and +0.55% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.96% annualized vs +0.15%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WEA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -58.8% for VYM and -64.9% for WEA. 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WEA charges 1.22%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $122 annually, a gap of $118 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 7.44% for WEA.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WEA share 0 holdings out of 804 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, VYM or WEA?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WEA charges 1.22%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $118 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WEA?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.76% vs +4.16% for WEA, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VYM annualized +6.96% vs +0.15% for WEA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WEA?
WEA has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WEA -64.9%.
Should I hold both VYM and WEA?
VYM and WEA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WEA?
VYM and WEA share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 804 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WEA?
VYM yields 2.86% while WEA yields 7.44%, so WEA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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