VGHY vs VYM
Vanguard High-Yield Active 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 | VGHY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.22% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $293M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.98% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 458 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.88% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.88% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 27, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VGHY vs VYM Performance
Vanguard High-Yield Active ETF (VGHY) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VGHY returned +0.88% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, VGHY is down 0.88% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -3.1% for VGHY and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VGHY charges 0.22% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $22 vs $4 annually, a gap of $18 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VGHY currently yields 3.98% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VGHY and VYM share 0 holdings out of 901 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VGHY or VYM?
VGHY has an expense ratio of 0.22% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $18 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VGHY or VYM?
Over the past year VGHY returned +0.88% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between VGHY and VYM?
VGHY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 901 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VGHY or VYM?
VGHY yields 3.98% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VGHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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