ESGV vs VYM
Vanguard ESG US Stock ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. ESGV offers more diversification with 1225 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESGV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $13.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,264 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +13.85% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.56% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.48% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.77% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 18, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ESGV vs VYM Performance
Vanguard ESG US Stock ETF (ESGV) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ESGV returned +20.56% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, ESGV is up 13.85% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, ESGV compounded at +21.48% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.77% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ESGV has the edge at +14.79% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ESGV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -33.7% for ESGV 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESGV charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESGV currently yields 1.09% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ESGV and VYM share 368 holdings out of 1415 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESGV or VYM?
ESGV has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESGV or VYM?
Over the past year ESGV returned +20.56% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ESGV annualized +14.79% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESGV or VYM?
ESGV has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ESGV -33.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ESGV and VYM?
ESGV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESGV and VYM?
ESGV and VYM share 368 common holdings with a 26.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1415 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESGV or VYM?
ESGV yields 1.09% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM 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.