DLN vs VYM
WisdomTree US LargeCap Dividend Fund 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 | DLN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6.4B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.75% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 307 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +15.20% | +15.25% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.87% | +22.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.07% | +18.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.49% | +12.09% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DLN vs VYM Performance
WisdomTree US LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DLN returned +20.87% while VYM returned +22.18%. Year to date, DLN is up 15.20% versus a gain of 15.25% for VYM.
Over three years, DLN compounded at +19.07% per year against +18.83% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.49% and +12.09% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, DLN has the edge at +9.93% annualized vs +7.03%. 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 14.2% for DLN. 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 -57.8% for DLN 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 0.98. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DLN charges 0.28% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $4 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DLN currently yields 1.75% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DLN and VYM share 176 holdings out of 737 unique holdings combined, representing a 59.5% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DLN or VYM?
DLN has an expense ratio of 0.28% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DLN or VYM?
Over the past year DLN returned +20.87% vs +22.18% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DLN annualized +9.93% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DLN or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.2% for DLN. Worst drawdown: DLN -57.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DLN and VYM?
DLN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.98, 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 DLN and VYM?
DLN and VYM share 176 common holdings with a 59.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 737 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DLN or VYM?
DLN yields 1.75% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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