TBLU vs VYM
Tortoise Global Water Fund 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 | TBLU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $57M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.44% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 63 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +3.39% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.87% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.82% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.91% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Tortoise Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 14, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
TBLU vs VYM Performance
Tortoise Global Water Fund (TBLU) is a ETF from Tortoise Capital and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TBLU returned +0.87% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, TBLU is up 3.39% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, TBLU compounded at +10.82% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.91% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, TBLU has the edge at +9.28% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TBLU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -37.6% for TBLU 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TBLU charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TBLU currently yields 3.44% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
TBLU and VYM share 8 holdings out of 611 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TBLU or VYM?
TBLU has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TBLU or VYM?
Over the past year TBLU returned +0.87% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), TBLU annualized +9.28% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TBLU or VYM?
TBLU has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: TBLU -37.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both TBLU and VYM?
TBLU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TBLU and VYM?
TBLU and VYM share 8 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 611 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TBLU or VYM?
TBLU yields 3.44% while VYM yields 2.86%, so TBLU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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