BGDV vs VYM
Bahl & Gaynor Dividend 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BGDV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $809M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.99% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +12.49% | +14.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.09% | +20.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.2% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Bahl & Gaynor | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BGDV vs VYM Performance
Bahl & Gaynor Dividend ETF (BGDV) is a ETF from Bahl & Gaynor and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BGDV returned +20.09% while VYM returned +20.67%. Year to date, BGDV is up 12.49% versus a gain of 14.18% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 11.2% for BGDV. 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 -14.8% for BGDV 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
BGDV charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BGDV currently yields 0.99% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BGDV and VYM share 27 holdings out of 625 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BGDV or VYM?
BGDV has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BGDV or VYM?
Over the past year BGDV returned +20.09% vs +20.67% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BGDV annualized +14.61% vs +6.97% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BGDV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 11.2% for BGDV. Worst drawdown: BGDV -14.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BGDV and VYM?
BGDV 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 BGDV and VYM?
BGDV and VYM share 27 common holdings with a 18.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 625 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BGDV or VYM?
BGDV yields 0.99% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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