VOX vs VYM
Vanguard Communication Services 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VOX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $5.7B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 115 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | -3.45% | +14.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.34% | +20.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.92% | +18.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.34% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 23, 2004 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VOX vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Communication Services ETF (VOX) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VOX returned +4.34% while VYM returned +20.67%. Year to date, VOX is down 3.45% versus a gain of 14.18% for VYM.
Over three years, VOX compounded at +20.92% per year against +18.47% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.34% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VOX has the edge at +8.64% annualized vs +6.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% compared with 14.5% 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 -57.2% for VOX 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VOX 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, VOX currently yields 1.09% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VOX and VYM share 10 holdings out of 706 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VOX or VYM?
VOX 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, VOX or VYM?
Over the past year VOX returned +4.34% vs +20.67% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), VOX annualized +8.64% vs +6.97% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VOX or VYM?
VOX has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VOX -57.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VOX and VYM?
VOX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VOX and VYM?
VOX and VYM share 10 common holdings with a 2.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 706 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VOX or VYM?
VOX yields 1.09% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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