DEW vs VYM
WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DEW delivered stronger 1-year returns. DEW offers more diversification with 690 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DEW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $163M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.14% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 690 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +18.32% | +14.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.11% | +20.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.46% | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.22% | +12.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DEW vs VYM Performance
WisdomTree Global High Dividend Fund (DEW) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DEW returned +25.11% while VYM returned +20.88%. Year to date, DEW is up 18.32% versus a gain of 14.84% for VYM.
Over three years, DEW compounded at +19.46% per year against +18.34% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.22% and +12.04% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +2.90%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DEW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.8% 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 -69.2% for DEW 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DEW charges 0.58% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $4 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DEW currently yields 3.14% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DEW and VYM share 164 holdings out of 1121 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DEW or VYM?
DEW has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DEW or VYM?
Over the past year DEW returned +25.11% vs +20.88% for VYM, so DEW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DEW annualized +2.90% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DEW or VYM?
DEW has been the more volatile fund at 16.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DEW -69.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DEW and VYM?
DEW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between DEW and VYM?
DEW and VYM share 164 common holdings with a 26.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1121 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DEW or VYM?
DEW yields 3.14% while VYM yields 2.24%, so DEW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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