CGW vs VYM
Invesco S&P Global Water Index 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CGW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.52% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +3.48% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.64% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.47% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.84% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 14, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CGW vs VYM Performance
Invesco S&P Global Water Index ETF (CGW) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CGW returned +3.64% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, CGW is up 3.48% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, CGW compounded at +10.47% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.84% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, CGW has the edge at +7.25% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CGW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -57.2% for CGW 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
CGW charges 0.58% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $4 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CGW currently yields 1.52% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CGW and VYM share 5 holdings out of 621 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CGW or VYM?
CGW has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CGW or VYM?
Over the past year CGW returned +3.64% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), CGW annualized +7.25% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CGW or VYM?
CGW has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CGW -57.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CGW and VYM?
CGW 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 CGW and VYM?
CGW and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 621 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CGW or VYM?
CGW yields 1.52% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.