HDEF vs VYM
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, HDEF or VYM?
Each has led over a different period.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. HDEF led over 3Y, VYM over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 40.7%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HDEF | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $2.4B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.68% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 123 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +13.19% | +15.29%Best |
| 1Y Return | +20.84% | +22.23%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.62%Best | +18.81% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.06% | +12.14%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 13.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -38.2% | -35.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,671 | $17,734Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 40.7% | 25.9%Best |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Aug 12, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 18, 2015 to Sep 3, 2026 (11 years).
HDEF vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 11 years both funds cover.
HDEF vs VYM Performance
Xtrackers MSCI EAFE High Dividend Yield Equity ETF (HDEF) is an ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HDEF returned +20.84% while VYM returned +22.23%. Year to date, HDEF is up 13.19% versus a gain of 15.29% for VYM.
Over three years, HDEF compounded at +19.62% per year against +18.81% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.06% and +12.14% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +9.92% annualized vs +5.56%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HDEF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% compared with 13.9% 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 -38.2% for HDEF and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
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
HDEF 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, HDEF currently yields 3.68% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 112 holdings in HDEF and 603 in VYM, totalling 98.9% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 112 positions we hold weights for in HDEF and 603 in VYM, against full books of 123 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 570 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for HDEF (97.4% of the fund), and 1 for HDEF that do not appear in VYM (0.6%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HDEF and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HDEF or VYM?
HDEF has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $5 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HDEF or VYM?
Over the past year HDEF returned +20.84% vs +22.23% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), HDEF annualized +5.56% vs +9.92% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HDEF or VYM?
HDEF has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 13.9% for VYM. Worst drawdown: HDEF -38.2% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both HDEF and VYM?
HDEF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, HDEF or VYM?
HDEF yields 3.68% while VYM yields 2.24%, so HDEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than HDEF?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. HDEF led over 3Y, VYM over 1Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 40.7%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.