DTD vs VYM
WisdomTree US Total Dividend Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. DTD offers more diversification with 801 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DTD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.82% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 801 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +14.82% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.98% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.24% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.87% | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -60.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DTD vs VYM Performance
WisdomTree US Total Dividend Fund (DTD) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DTD returned +19.98% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, DTD is up 14.82% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Over three years, DTD compounded at +18.24% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.87% and +11.98% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, DTD has the edge at +7.55% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DTD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.5% 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 -60.2% for DTD 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 0.99. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DTD 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, DTD currently yields 1.82% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DTD and VYM share 452 holdings out of 959 unique holdings combined, representing a 61.2% weight overlap.
High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DTD or VYM?
DTD 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, DTD or VYM?
Over the past year DTD returned +19.98% vs +21.39% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), DTD annualized +7.55% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DTD or VYM?
DTD has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DTD -60.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DTD and VYM?
DTD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.99, 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 DTD and VYM?
DTD and VYM share 452 common holdings with a 61.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 959 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DTD or VYM?
DTD yields 1.82% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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