VNSE vs VYM
Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, VNSE or VYM?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 54.6%.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VNSE | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $14M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.20% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 29 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +5.81% | +13.15%Best |
| 1Y Return | +7.90% | +17.82%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.10% | +17.99%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.09% | +12.16%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 13.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -24.2% | -15.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,755 | $17,750Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 54.6% | 25.9%Best |
| Fund Family | Natixis Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Sep 17, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Sep 17, 2020 to Sep 10, 2026 (6 years).
VNSE vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6 years both funds cover.
VNSE vs VYM Performance
Natixis Vaughan Nelson Select ETF (VNSE) is an ETF from Natixis Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VNSE returned +7.90% while VYM returned +17.82%. Year to date, VNSE is up 5.81% versus a gain of 13.15% for VYM.
Over three years, VNSE compounded at +12.10% per year against +17.99% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.09% and +12.16% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +14.80% annualized vs +13.37%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VNSE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% compared with 13.9% 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 -24.2% for VNSE and -15.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VNSE charges 0.80% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $4 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VNSE currently yields 0.20% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
22.5% of VNSE's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 7.5% of VYM's money is in holdings VNSE also owns.
VNSE and VYM share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 50 days apart, VNSE as of Aug 19, 2026 and VYM as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
6 positions in common, counted across the 26 positions we hold weights for in VNSE and 603 in VYM, against full books of 29 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Our book lists 562 positions for VYM that do not appear in our book for VNSE (90.0% of the fund), and 16 for VNSE that do not appear in VYM (61.3%).
Some of those will be the same company recorded under a different code in one of the two books, so the real difference in what you would own is no larger than this and may be smaller. We do not name the individual positions here for that reason.
22.5% of VNSE is already inside VYM.
You probably hold more than these two. Add the rest and see how much of the whole book is the same companies twice.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VNSE or VYM?
VNSE has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $76 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VNSE or VYM?
Over the past year VNSE returned +7.90% vs +17.82% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VNSE annualized +13.37% vs +14.80% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VNSE or VYM?
VNSE has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 13.9% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VNSE -24.2% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both VNSE and VYM?
VNSE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between VNSE and VYM?
22.5% of VNSE's money is in holdings VYM also owns. 7.5% of VYM's is in holdings VNSE also owns. They hold 6 positions in common, counted across the 26 positions we hold weights for in VNSE and 603 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, VNSE or VYM?
VNSE yields 0.20% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than VNSE?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 25.9% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 54.6%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.