DBL vs VYM

DBL vs VYM

Which is better, DBL or VYM?

VYM has been ahead.

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYM

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

MetricDBLVYM
Expense Ratio2.46%0.04%Best
AUM$290M$81.6B
Dividend Yield9.07%2.24%
Holdings571613
YTD Return-0.48%+14.82%Best
1Y Return-0.42%+20.84%Best
3Y Return (annualized)+8.52%+18.64%Best
5Y Return (annualized)+1.95%+12.28%Best
Volatility (annualized)10.1%Best13.0%
Max Drawdown-45.3%-35.7%Best
$10,000 over 5 years$11,014$17,845Best
Fund FamilyDoubleLine FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryFixed IncomeEquity
Style-Large Cap Value
InceptionJan 26, 2012Nov 10, 2006

Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.

Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 27, 2012 to Sep 4, 2026 (14.6 years).

DBL 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 is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.

DBL vs VYM Performance

DoubleLine Opportunistic Credit Fund (DBL) is an ETF from DoubleLine Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBL returned -0.42% while VYM returned +20.84%. Year to date, DBL is down 0.48% versus a gain of 14.82% for VYM.

Over three years, DBL compounded at +8.52% per year against +18.64% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.95% and +12.28% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +10.25% annualized vs -0.90%.

Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.0% compared with 10.1% for DBL. 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 -45.3% for DBL and -35.7% 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 0.36. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DBL charges 2.46% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $246 vs $4 annually, a gap of $242 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBL currently yields 9.07% against 2.24% for VYM.

You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.

Whichever of DBL and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.

DBLVYM

Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DBL or VYM?

DBL has an expense ratio of 2.46% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $242 a year on a $10,000 investment.

Which performed better, DBL or VYM?

Over the past year DBL returned -0.42% vs +20.84% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DBL annualized -0.90% vs +10.25% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.

Which is riskier, DBL or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.0% annualized versus 10.1% for DBL. Worst drawdown: DBL -45.3% vs VYM -35.7%.

Should I hold both DBL and VYM?

DBL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.

Which pays a higher dividend, DBL or VYM?

DBL yields 9.07% while VYM yields 2.24%, so DBL currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Is VYM better than DBL?

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.