DUSA vs VYM
Davis Select US Equity 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 | DUSA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.85% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 27 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.55% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.64% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.28% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.71% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Davis ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 11, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DUSA vs VYM Performance
Davis Select US Equity ETF (DUSA) is a ETF from Davis ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DUSA returned +21.64% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, DUSA is up 12.55% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, DUSA compounded at +22.28% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.71% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, DUSA has the edge at +12.96% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -36.7% for DUSA 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUSA charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DUSA currently yields 0.85% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DUSA and VYM share 14 holdings out of 615 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DUSA or VYM?
DUSA has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DUSA or VYM?
Over the past year DUSA returned +21.64% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), DUSA annualized +12.96% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DUSA or VYM?
DUSA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DUSA -36.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DUSA and VYM?
DUSA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DUSA and VYM?
DUSA and VYM share 14 common holdings with a 6.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 615 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUSA or VYM?
DUSA yields 0.85% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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