CA vs VYM
Xtrackers California Municipal Bond 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $21M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.21% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 259 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +1.16% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.72% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 14, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CA vs VYM Performance
Xtrackers California Municipal Bond ETF (CA) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CA returned +5.72% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, CA is up 1.16% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 4.1% for CA. 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 -5.2% for CA 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CA charges 0.07% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $4 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CA currently yields 3.21% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 763 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, CA or VYM?
CA has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CA or VYM?
Over the past year CA returned +5.72% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), CA annualized +2.81% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.1% for CA. Worst drawdown: CA -5.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CA and VYM?
CA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CA and VYM?
CA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 763 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CA or VYM?
CA yields 3.21% while VYM yields 2.24%, so CA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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