DPG vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDPGVYMWinner
Expense Ratio2.26%0.04%
AUM$595M$79.0B
Dividend Yield5.15%2.86%
Holdings56568
YTD Return+16.48%+15.80%
1Y Return+20.90%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)+23.46%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)+9.30%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)20.0%14.6%
Max Drawdown-76.0%-58.8%
Fund FamilyDuff & Phelps Investment Management Co.Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJul 29, 2011Nov 10, 2006

DPG vs VYM Performance

Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Inc (DPG) is a ETF from Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DPG returned +20.90% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, DPG is up 16.48% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, DPG compounded at +23.46% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.30% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +1.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

DPG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -76.0% for DPG 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

DPG charges 2.26% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $226 vs $4 annually, a gap of $222 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DPG currently yields 5.15% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

6.7%overlap

DPG and VYM share 27 holdings out of 584 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.7% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in DPGWeight in VYMDifference
NEE4.05%0.86%3.19%
DUK3.78%0.45%3.33%
XEL3.70%0.22%3.48%
SREProProPro
ETRProProPro
UNPProProPro
WMBProProPro
AEPProProPro
TProProPro
PPLProProPro
See all 10 holdings DPG shares with VYM
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, DPG or VYM?

DPG has an expense ratio of 2.26% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $222 per year of difference.

Which performed better, DPG or VYM?

Over the past year DPG returned +20.90% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), DPG annualized +1.03% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, DPG or VYM?

DPG has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DPG -76.0% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both DPG and VYM?

DPG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between DPG and VYM?

DPG and VYM share 27 common holdings with a 6.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 584 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, DPG or VYM?

DPG yields 5.15% while VYM yields 2.86%, so DPG currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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