VDC vs VYM
Vanguard Consumer Staples 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 | VDC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.33% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 107 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.43% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.65% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.91% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.89% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2004 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VDC vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VDC returned +5.65% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, VDC is up 10.43% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, VDC compounded at +7.91% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.89% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VDC has the edge at +7.58% annualized vs +7.08%. 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 11.8% for VDC. 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 -36.6% for VDC 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VDC 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, VDC currently yields 2.33% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VDC and VYM share 45 holdings out of 618 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VDC or VYM?
VDC 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, VDC or VYM?
Over the past year VDC returned +5.65% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VDC annualized +7.58% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VDC or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.8% for VDC. Worst drawdown: VDC -36.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VDC and VYM?
VDC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VDC and VYM?
VDC and VYM share 45 common holdings with a 11.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 618 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VDC or VYM?
VDC yields 2.33% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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