DIA vs VYM
State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $46.9B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.37% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 31 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.33% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.64% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.61% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.78% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -53.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 14, 1998 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DIA vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust (DIA) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DIA returned +20.64% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, DIA is up 11.33% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, DIA compounded at +17.61% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.78% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, DIA has the edge at +7.29% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DIA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -53.8% for DIA 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 0.95. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIA charges 0.16% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $4 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIA currently yields 1.37% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DIA and VYM share 18 holdings out of 615 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIA or VYM?
DIA has an expense ratio of 0.16% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIA or VYM?
Over the past year DIA returned +20.64% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DIA annualized +7.29% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIA or VYM?
DIA has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DIA -53.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DIA and VYM?
DIA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 DIA and VYM?
DIA and VYM share 18 common holdings with a 22.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 615 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIA or VYM?
DIA yields 1.37% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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