THW vs VYM
Abrdn World Healthcare Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. THW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 603 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | THW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.00% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $483M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.27% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 123 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +17.86% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.33% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.93% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.05% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -55.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
THW vs VYM Performance
Abrdn World Healthcare Fund (THW) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year THW returned +41.33% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, THW is up 17.86% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, THW compounded at +12.93% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.05% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +1.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
THW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -55.6% for THW 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
THW charges 3.00% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $300 vs $4 annually, a gap of $296 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, THW currently yields 10.27% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
THW and VYM share 10 holdings out of 688 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, THW or VYM?
THW has an expense ratio of 3.00% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $296 per year of difference.
Which performed better, THW or VYM?
Over the past year THW returned +41.33% vs +24.22% for VYM, so THW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), THW annualized +1.96% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, THW or VYM?
THW has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: THW -55.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both THW and VYM?
THW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between THW and VYM?
THW and VYM share 10 common holdings with a 7.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 688 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, THW or VYM?
THW yields 10.27% while VYM yields 2.24%, so THW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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