VIS vs VYM
Vanguard Industrials 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VIS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $8.8B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.90% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 399 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.94% | +14.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.47% | +20.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.29% | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.63% | +12.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2004 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VIS vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Industrials ETF (VIS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VIS returned +16.47% while VYM returned +20.88%. Year to date, VIS is up 11.94% versus a gain of 14.84% for VYM.
Over three years, VIS compounded at +19.29% per year against +18.34% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.63% and +12.04% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VIS has the edge at +9.56% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% 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 -64.9% for VIS 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VIS 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, VIS currently yields 0.90% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VIS and VYM share 84 holdings out of 912 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VIS or VYM?
VIS 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, VIS or VYM?
Over the past year VIS returned +16.47% vs +20.88% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VIS annualized +9.56% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VIS or VYM?
VIS has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VIS -64.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VIS and VYM?
VIS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VIS and VYM?
VIS and VYM share 84 common holdings with a 12.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 912 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VIS or VYM?
VIS yields 0.90% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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