DBE vs VYM
DBE vs VYM
Invesco DB Energy Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DBE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DBE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.75% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $96M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +69.18% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.50% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.99% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.22% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 28.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DBE vs VYM Performance
Invesco DB Energy Fund (DBE) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBE returned +63.50% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, DBE is up 69.18% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, DBE compounded at +11.99% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +16.22% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +1.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DBE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.3% 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 -86.7% for DBE 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DBE charges 0.75% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $75 vs $4 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBE currently yields 2.59% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DBE and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 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, DBE or VYM?
DBE has an expense ratio of 0.75% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DBE or VYM?
Over the past year DBE returned +63.50% vs +26.12% for VYM, so DBE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DBE annualized +1.86% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DBE or VYM?
DBE has been the more volatile fund at 28.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DBE -86.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DBE and VYM?
DBE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DBE and VYM?
DBE and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DBE or VYM?
DBE yields 2.59% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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