DIAL vs VYM
Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. DIAL offers more diversification with 686 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIAL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $390M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.12% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 686 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +0.86% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.56% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.15% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.36% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 12, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DIAL vs VYM Performance
Columbia Diversified Fixed Income Allocation ETF (DIAL) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DIAL returned +3.56% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, DIAL is up 0.86% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, DIAL compounded at +6.15% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.36% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +1.21%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 7.4% for DIAL. 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 -22.2% for DIAL 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIAL charges 0.29% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $4 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIAL currently yields 5.12% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DIAL and VYM share 1 holdings out of 1016 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in DIAL | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CMS | 0.03% | 0.10% | 0.07% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIAL or VYM?
DIAL has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIAL or VYM?
Over the past year DIAL returned +3.56% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), DIAL annualized +1.21% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIAL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.4% for DIAL. Worst drawdown: DIAL -22.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DIAL and VYM?
DIAL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIAL and VYM?
DIAL and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1016 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIAL or VYM?
DIAL yields 5.12% while VYM yields 2.24%, so DIAL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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