VTEI vs VYM
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTEI offers more diversification with 1768 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTEI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.04% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 10,147 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -1.26% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.32% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VTEI vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Intermediate-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTEI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTEI returned +2.32% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, VTEI is down 1.26% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.4% for VTEI. 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 -3.6% for VTEI 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTEI charges 0.08% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $4 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTEI currently yields 3.04% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VTEI and VYM share 0 holdings out of 2326 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, VTEI or VYM?
VTEI has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTEI or VYM?
Over the past year VTEI returned +2.32% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VTEI annualized +1.92% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTEI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.4% for VTEI. Worst drawdown: VTEI -3.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VTEI and VYM?
VTEI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTEI and VYM?
VTEI and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2326 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTEI or VYM?
VTEI yields 3.04% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VTEI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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