DBAW vs VYM
Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US Hedged Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DBAW delivered stronger 1-year returns. DBAW offers more diversification with 1,830 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DBAW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $304M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.73% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,830 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +16.56% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.76% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.77% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.73% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DBAW vs VYM Performance
Xtrackers MSCI All World ex US Hedged Equity ETF (DBAW) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBAW returned +29.76% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, DBAW is up 16.56% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, DBAW compounded at +21.77% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.73% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, DBAW has the edge at +7.77% annualized vs +7.10%. 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 12.2% for DBAW. 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 -31.4% for DBAW 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
DBAW charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBAW currently yields 1.73% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DBAW and VYM share 6 holdings out of 2348 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, DBAW or VYM?
DBAW has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DBAW or VYM?
Over the past year DBAW returned +29.76% vs +24.22% for VYM, so DBAW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), DBAW annualized +7.77% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBAW or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.2% for DBAW. Worst drawdown: DBAW -31.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DBAW and VYM?
DBAW 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 DBAW and VYM?
DBAW and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2348 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBAW or VYM?
DBAW yields 1.73% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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