DIVZ vs VYM
Polen Dividend Income 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DIVZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $305M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.47% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +8.28% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.91% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.09% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -15.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | TrueShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 27, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DIVZ vs VYM Performance
Polen Dividend Income ETF (DIVZ) is a ETF from TrueShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DIVZ returned +16.91% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, DIVZ is up 8.28% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, DIVZ compounded at +10.09% per year against +19.14% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, DIVZ has the edge at +11.13% annualized vs +7.06%. 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 14.4% for DIVZ. 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 -15.4% for DIVZ 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
DIVZ charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DIVZ currently yields 2.47% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DIVZ and VYM share 24 holdings out of 609 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DIVZ or VYM?
DIVZ has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DIVZ or VYM?
Over the past year DIVZ returned +16.91% vs +23.85% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DIVZ annualized +11.13% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DIVZ or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.4% for DIVZ. Worst drawdown: DIVZ -15.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DIVZ and VYM?
DIVZ 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 DIVZ and VYM?
DIVZ and VYM share 24 common holdings with a 20.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 609 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DIVZ or VYM?
DIVZ yields 2.47% while VYM yields 2.24%, so DIVZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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