DFGR vs VYM
Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, DFGR or VYM?
VYM has been ahead.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 41.7%.
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 | DFGR | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.22% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $3.8B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.71% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 449 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +6.22% | +11.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | +5.75% | +15.34%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.34% | +17.22%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.0% | 11.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -21.3% | -14.5%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.8 years | $12,654 | $16,186Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 41.7% | 26.1%Best |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 7, 2022 to Sep 18, 2026 (3.8 years).
DFGR 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 3.8 years both funds cover.
DFGR vs VYM Performance
Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFGR returned +5.75% while VYM returned +15.34%. Year to date, DFGR is up 6.22% versus a gain of 11.35% for VYM.
Over three years, DFGR compounded at +9.34% per year against +17.22% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs +6.39%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFGR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.0% compared with 11.3% 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 -21.3% for DFGR 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFGR charges 0.22% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $22 vs $4 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFGR currently yields 3.71% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 415 holdings in DFGR and 557 in VYM, totalling 99.5% and 99.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 415 positions we hold weights for in DFGR and 557 in VYM, against full books of 449 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 528 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for DFGR (97.1% of the fund), and 119 for DFGR that do not appear in VYM (74.3%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFGR 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, DFGR or VYM?
DFGR has an expense ratio of 0.22% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $18 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFGR or VYM?
Over the past year DFGR returned +5.75% vs +15.34% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFGR annualized +6.39% vs +13.51% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFGR or VYM?
DFGR has been the more volatile fund at 16.0% annualized versus 11.3% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DFGR -21.3% vs VYM -14.5%.
Should I hold both DFGR and VYM?
DFGR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, 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, DFGR or VYM?
DFGR yields 3.71% while VYM yields 2.22%, so DFGR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than DFGR?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 41.7%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.