DURA vs VYM
VanEck Durable High Dividend 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 | DURA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $39M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 71 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +16.57% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.06% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.70% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.00% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DURA vs VYM Performance
VanEck Durable High Dividend ETF (DURA) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DURA returned +18.06% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, DURA is up 16.57% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, DURA compounded at +10.70% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.00% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, DURA has the edge at +9.03% annualized vs +7.10%. 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 DURA. 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 -35.3% for DURA 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DURA charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DURA currently yields 3.10% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DURA and VYM share 68 holdings out of 604 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DURA or VYM?
DURA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DURA or VYM?
Over the past year DURA returned +18.06% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), DURA annualized +9.03% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DURA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.4% for DURA. Worst drawdown: DURA -35.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DURA and VYM?
DURA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 DURA and VYM?
DURA and VYM share 68 common holdings with a 26.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DURA or VYM?
DURA yields 3.10% while VYM yields 2.24%, so DURA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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