DEMZ vs VYM
Democratic Large Cap Core ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, DEMZ or VYM?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DEMZ led over 3Y and the full window, VYM over 1Y and 5Y. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 45.5%.
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
| Metric | DEMZ | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $68M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.87% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 43 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +9.73% | +13.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +16.69% | +17.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.33%Best | +17.99% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.34% | +12.16%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.2% | 13.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -27.2% | -15.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,110 | $17,750Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 45.5% | 25.9%Best |
| Fund Family | DEMZ | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 3, 2020 to Sep 10, 2026 (5.9 years).
DEMZ 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 covers the 5.9 years both funds cover.
DEMZ vs VYM Performance
Democratic Large Cap Core ETF (DEMZ) is an ETF from DEMZ and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEMZ returned +16.69% while VYM returned +17.82%. Year to date, DEMZ is up 9.73% versus a gain of 13.15% for VYM.
Over three years, DEMZ compounded at +20.33% per year against +17.99% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.34% and +12.16% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DEMZ has the edge at +16.16% annualized vs +15.35%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEMZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.2% compared with 13.2% 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 -27.2% for DEMZ and -15.8% 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEMZ charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEMZ currently yields 0.87% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
19.6% of DEMZ's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 2.3% of VYM's money is in holdings DEMZ also owns.
DEMZ and VYM share little of their money.
10 positions in common, counted across the 42 positions we hold weights for in DEMZ and 603 in VYM, against full books of 43 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 42 and 603 positions we hold weights for.
VYM holds 558 positions DEMZ does not, 95.2% of the fund.
Largest: AVGO 7.29%, JPM 3.38%, JNJ 2.54%, XOM 2.36%, CAT 2.01%
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DEMZ | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XYLXylem Inc./ NY | 3.93% | 0.12% | 3.81% |
| ADPAutomatic Data Processing, Inc. | 2.39% | 0.37% | 2.02% |
| AVYAvery Dennison Corp. | 2.61% | 0.05% | 2.56% |
| EGEverest Group, Ltd. | 2.36% | 0.06% | 2.30% |
| IBMInternational Business Machines Corp. | 1.06% | 1.10% | 0.04% |
| OMCOmnicom Group Inc. | 2.07% | 0.09% | 1.98% |
| RLRalph Lauren Corp. Class A | 1.41% | 0.06% | 1.35% |
| TPRTapestry Inc. | 1.33% | 0.12% | 1.21% |
| KMBKimberly-Clark Corp. | 1.28% | 0.15% | 1.13% |
| PAYXPaychex, Inc. | 1.18% | 0.13% | 1.05% |
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DEMZ and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DEMZ or VYM?
DEMZ has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $41 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DEMZ or VYM?
Over the past year DEMZ returned +16.69% vs +17.82% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DEMZ annualized +16.16% vs +15.35% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DEMZ or VYM?
DEMZ has been the more volatile fund at 16.2% annualized versus 13.2% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DEMZ -27.2% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both DEMZ and VYM?
DEMZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between DEMZ and VYM?
19.6% of DEMZ's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 2.3% of VYM's is in holdings DEMZ also owns. They hold 10 positions in common, counted across the 42 positions we hold weights for in DEMZ and 603 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEMZ or VYM?
DEMZ yields 0.87% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than DEMZ?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DEMZ led over 3Y and the full window, VYM over 1Y and 5Y. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 45.5%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.