Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. DBMF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: DBMFMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDBMFVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.04%
AUM$2.1B$79.0B
Dividend Yield5.16%2.86%
Holdings12568
YTD Return+10.87%+15.80%
1Y Return+26.89%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+9.16%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.08%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)11.6%14.6%
Max Drawdown-20.4%-58.8%
Fund FamilyiMGP FundsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMay 7, 2019Nov 10, 2006

DBMF vs VYM Performance

iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF) is a ETF from iMGP Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DBMF returned +26.89% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, DBMF is up 10.87% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, DBMF compounded at +9.16% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.08% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, DBMF has the edge at +7.71% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 11.6% for DBMF. 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 -20.4% for DBMF 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 -0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DBMF charges 0.85% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $4 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DBMF currently yields 5.16% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

DBMF 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, DBMF or VYM?

DBMF has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DBMF or VYM?

Over the past year DBMF returned +26.89% vs +26.12% for VYM, so DBMF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), DBMF annualized +7.71% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DBMF or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.6% for DBMF. Worst drawdown: DBMF -20.4% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both DBMF and VYM?

DBMF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DBMF and VYM?

DBMF and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DBMF or VYM?

DBMF yields 5.16% while VYM yields 2.86%, so DBMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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