VT vs VYM
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VT offers more diversification with 10,133 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $78.6B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.60% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 10,133 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +13.98% | +14.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.80% | +20.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.40% | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.83% | +12.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 24, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VT vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VT returned +21.80% while VYM returned +20.88%. Year to date, VT is up 13.98% versus a gain of 14.84% for VYM.
Over three years, VT compounded at +20.40% per year against +18.34% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.83% and +12.04% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VT has the edge at +7.33% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -50.6% for VT 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VT charges 0.06% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $4 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VT currently yields 1.60% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VT and VYM share 558 holdings out of 8973 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VT or VYM?
VT has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VT or VYM?
Over the past year VT returned +21.80% vs +20.88% for VYM, so VT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), VT annualized +7.33% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VT or VYM?
VT has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VT -50.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VT and VYM?
VT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 VT and VYM?
VT and VYM share 558 common holdings with a 20.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8973 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VT or VYM?
VT yields 1.60% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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