DBA vs VYM
DBA vs VYM
Invesco DB Agriculture Fund 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 | DBA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.88% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.42% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 17 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.06% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.02% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.78% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.91% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DBA vs VYM Performance
Invesco DB Agriculture Fund (DBA) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBA returned +9.02% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, DBA is up 8.06% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, DBA compounded at +11.78% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.91% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +1.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DBA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -68.0% for DBA 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DBA charges 0.88% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $88 vs $4 annually, a gap of $84 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBA currently yields 3.42% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DBA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 560 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, DBA or VYM?
DBA has an expense ratio of 0.88% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $84 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DBA or VYM?
Over the past year DBA returned +9.02% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DBA annualized +1.25% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBA or VYM?
DBA has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DBA -68.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DBA and VYM?
DBA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DBA and VYM?
DBA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBA or VYM?
DBA yields 3.42% while VYM yields 2.86%, so DBA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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