NDVG vs VYM
Nuveen Dividend Growth 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NDVG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $13M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -5.29% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.39% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.65% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 4, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NDVG vs VYM Performance
Nuveen Dividend Growth ETF (NDVG) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NDVG returned +16.39% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, NDVG is down 5.29% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, NDVG compounded at +11.65% per year against +18.43% for VYM. Across the full 5-year window we track, NDVG has the edge at +7.83% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.1% for NDVG. 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 -19.7% for NDVG 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NDVG charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NDVG currently yields 1.09% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NDVG and VYM share 21 holdings out of 578 unique holdings combined, representing a 24.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NDVG or VYM?
NDVG has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NDVG or VYM?
Over the past year NDVG returned +16.39% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), NDVG annualized +7.83% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NDVG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.1% for NDVG. Worst drawdown: NDVG -19.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NDVG and VYM?
NDVG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NDVG and VYM?
NDVG and VYM share 21 common holdings with a 24.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 578 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NDVG or VYM?
NDVG yields 1.09% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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