DFAW vs VYM
Dimensional World Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, DFAW or VYM?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DFAW led over the full window, VYM over 1Y and 3Y.
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 | DFAW | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $1.8B | $95.8B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.25% | 2.23% |
| Holdings | 10 | 610 |
| YTD Return | +12.31% | +15.95%Best |
| 1Y Return | +16.11% | +19.62%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.23% | +19.64%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.48% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.9% | 11.1%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -16.9% | -14.5%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.1 years | $17,439Best | $17,192 |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 27, 2023 to Nov 13, 2026 (3.1 years).
DFAW 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 3.1 years both funds cover.
DFAW vs VYM Performance
Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAW returned +16.11% while VYM returned +19.62%. Year to date, DFAW is up 12.31% versus a gain of 15.95% for VYM.
Over three years, DFAW compounded at +19.23% per year against +19.64% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 11.9% compared with 11.1% 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 -16.9% for DFAW and -14.5% 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAW charges 0.24% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $4 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAW currently yields 1.25% against 2.23% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 3 holdings in DFAW and 602 in VYM, totalling 28.2% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 65 days apart, DFAW as of Nov 4, 2026 and VYM as of Aug 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 3 positions we hold weights for in DFAW and 602 in VYM, against full books of 10 and 610.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFAW 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, DFAW or VYM?
DFAW has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $20 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFAW or VYM?
Over the past year DFAW returned +16.11% vs +19.62% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFAW or VYM?
DFAW has been the more volatile fund at 11.9% annualized versus 11.1% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DFAW -16.9% vs VYM -14.5%.
Should I hold both DFAW and VYM?
DFAW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, 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, DFAW or VYM?
DFAW yields 1.25% while VYM yields 2.23%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than DFAW?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DFAW led over the full window, VYM over 1Y and 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.