CDL vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCDLVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.04%
AUM$404M$79.0B
Dividend Yield3.07%2.86%
Holdings102568
YTD Return+17.16%+15.80%
1Y Return+21.89%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+15.28%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+10.35%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)15.0%14.6%
Max Drawdown-41.4%-58.8%
Fund FamilyVictory Capital Management Inc.Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 7, 2015Nov 10, 2006

CDL vs VYM Performance

VictoryShares US Large Cap High Div Volatility Wtd ETF (CDL) is a ETF from Victory Capital Management Inc. and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CDL returned +21.89% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, CDL is up 17.16% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, CDL compounded at +15.28% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.35% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, CDL has the edge at +9.58% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CDL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -41.4% for CDL 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CDL charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CDL currently yields 3.07% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

31.9%overlap

CDL and VYM share 97 holdings out of 561 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.9% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in CDLWeight in VYMDifference
XOM1.05%2.83%1.78%
PG1.22%1.72%0.50%
KO1.50%1.39%0.11%
ABBVProProPro
CVXProProPro
HDProProPro
PMProProPro
MRKProProPro
DUKProProPro
SOProProPro
See all 10 holdings CDL shares with VYM
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, CDL or VYM?

CDL has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CDL or VYM?

Over the past year CDL returned +21.89% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), CDL annualized +9.58% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CDL or VYM?

CDL has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CDL -41.4% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both CDL and VYM?

CDL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.

What is the holdings overlap between CDL and VYM?

CDL and VYM share 97 common holdings with a 31.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CDL or VYM?

CDL yields 3.07% while VYM yields 2.86%, so CDL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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