DAX vs VYM
Global X Dax Germany ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, DAX or VYM?
Each has led over a different period.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DAX led over 3Y, VYM over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 64.3%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DAX | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $231M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.06% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 44 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +3.69% | +14.33%Best |
| 1Y Return | +6.68% | +20.01%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.28%Best | +18.43% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.49% | +12.16%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.6% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -56.1% | -53.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,735 | $17,750Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 64.3% | 25.9%Best |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Oct 22, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 11, 2008 to Sep 8, 2026 (18.4 years).
DAX vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 18.4 years both funds cover.
DAX vs VYM Performance
Global X Dax Germany ETF (DAX) is an ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DAX returned +6.68% while VYM returned +20.01%. Year to date, DAX is up 3.69% versus a gain of 14.33% for VYM.
Over three years, DAX compounded at +20.28% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.49% and +12.16% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.93% annualized vs +4.31%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.6% compared with 14.8% 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 -56.1% for DAX and -53.6% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.50. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DAX charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DAX currently yields 2.06% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
1.1% of DAX's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 1.3% of VYM's money is in holdings DAX also owns.
VYM and DAX share little of their money.
1 positions in common, counted across the 40 positions we hold weights for in DAX and 602 in VYM, against full books of 44 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 568 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for DAX (95.9% of the fund), and 0 for DAX that do not appear in VYM (0.0%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DAX | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRKMerck & Co. Inc. | 1.05% | 1.32% | 0.27% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DAX and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DAX or VYM?
DAX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $16 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DAX or VYM?
Over the past year DAX returned +6.68% vs +20.01% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), DAX annualized +4.31% vs +7.93% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DAX or VYM?
DAX has been the more volatile fund at 33.6% annualized versus 14.8% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DAX -56.1% vs VYM -53.6%.
Should I hold both DAX and VYM?
DAX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between DAX and VYM?
1.3% of VYM's money is in holdings DAX also owns. 1.3% of VYM's is in holdings DAX also owns. They hold 1 positions in common, counted across the 40 positions we hold weights for in DAX and 602 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, DAX or VYM?
DAX yields 2.06% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than DAX?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DAX led over 3Y, VYM over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 64.3%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.