EDV vs VYM
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury 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 | EDV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.42% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 163 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -5.87% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | -3.54% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -3.66% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -13.05% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 6, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EDV vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Extended Duration Treasury ETF (EDV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EDV returned -3.54% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, EDV is down 5.87% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, EDV compounded at -3.66% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -13.05% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs -1.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EDV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% 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 -62.0% for EDV 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 -0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EDV charges 0.05% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EDV currently yields 5.42% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EDV and VYM share 0 holdings out of 679 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, EDV or VYM?
EDV has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EDV or VYM?
Over the past year EDV returned -3.54% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), EDV annualized -1.49% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EDV or VYM?
EDV has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EDV -62.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EDV and VYM?
EDV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EDV and VYM?
EDV and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 679 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EDV or VYM?
EDV yields 5.42% while VYM yields 2.24%, so EDV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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