DWX vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P International 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 | DWX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $530M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.11% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 122 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.01% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.37% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.16% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.04% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DWX vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P International Dividend ETF (DWX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DWX returned +16.37% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, DWX is up 11.01% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, DWX compounded at +17.16% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.04% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs -1.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DWX 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 -69.3% for DWX 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DWX charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DWX currently yields 4.11% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DWX and VYM share 0 holdings out of 704 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DWX or VYM?
DWX has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DWX or VYM?
Over the past year DWX returned +16.37% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), DWX annualized -1.05% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DWX or VYM?
DWX has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DWX -69.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DWX and VYM?
DWX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DWX and VYM?
DWX and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 704 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DWX or VYM?
DWX yields 4.11% while VYM yields 2.24%, so DWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.