CGBL vs VYM
Capital Group Core Balanced 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 | CGBL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7.6B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.88% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 163 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +8.38% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.74% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.89% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Capital Group (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CGBL vs VYM Performance
Capital Group Core Balanced ETF (CGBL) is a ETF from Capital Group (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CGBL returned +15.74% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, CGBL is up 8.38% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, CGBL compounded at +17.89% per year against +19.22% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, CGBL has the edge at +17.89% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 9.2% for CGBL. 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 -11.7% for CGBL 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CGBL charges 0.33% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $4 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGBL currently yields 1.88% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CGBL and VYM share 25 holdings out of 655 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CGBL or VYM?
CGBL has an expense ratio of 0.33% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGBL or VYM?
Over the past year CGBL returned +15.74% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CGBL annualized +17.89% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGBL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.2% for CGBL. Worst drawdown: CGBL -11.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CGBL and VYM?
CGBL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CGBL and VYM?
CGBL and VYM share 25 common holdings with a 15.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 655 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGBL or VYM?
CGBL yields 1.88% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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