DESK vs VYM
VanEck Office and Commercial REIT ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DESK | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.51% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $14M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.66% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.92% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.61% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.03% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 19, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DESK vs VYM Performance
VanEck Office and Commercial REIT ETF (DESK) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DESK returned +11.61% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, DESK is up 14.92% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, DESK compounded at +13.03% per year against +18.54% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, DESK has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DESK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.6% 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 -28.6% for DESK 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DESK charges 0.51% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $51 vs $4 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DESK currently yields 4.66% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DESK and VYM share 0 holdings out of 583 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, DESK or VYM?
DESK has an expense ratio of 0.51% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DESK or VYM?
Over the past year DESK returned +11.61% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), DESK annualized +13.03% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DESK or VYM?
DESK has been the more volatile fund at 22.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DESK -28.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DESK and VYM?
DESK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DESK and VYM?
DESK and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 583 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DESK or VYM?
DESK yields 4.66% while VYM yields 2.86%, so DESK currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.