DIVS vs VYM
Guinness Atkinson Dividend Builder ETF 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIVS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.46% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $40M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.34% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.60% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.25% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.94% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SmartETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 30, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DIVS vs VYM Performance
Guinness Atkinson Dividend Builder ETF (DIVS) is a ETF from SmartETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DIVS returned +17.60% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, DIVS is up 14.34% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, DIVS compounded at +14.25% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.94% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, DIVS has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs +7.08%. 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 12.9% for DIVS. 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 -20.7% for DIVS 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DIVS charges 0.46% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $46 vs $4 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIVS currently yields 2.73% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DIVS and VYM share 18 holdings out of 574 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIVS or VYM?
DIVS has an expense ratio of 0.46% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIVS or VYM?
Over the past year DIVS returned +17.60% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DIVS annualized +11.39% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIVS or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.9% for DIVS. Worst drawdown: DIVS -20.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DIVS and VYM?
DIVS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DIVS and VYM?
DIVS and VYM share 18 common holdings with a 17.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 574 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIVS or VYM?
DIVS yields 2.73% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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