VTES vs VYM
Vanguard Short-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. VTES offers more diversification with 1031 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTES | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.74% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3,067 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.59% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.78% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.02% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 7, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VTES vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Short-Term Tax-Exempt Bond ETF (VTES) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTES returned +1.78% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, VTES is up 0.59% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, VTES compounded at +3.02% per year against +18.54% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +2.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 2.3% for VTES. 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 -2.4% for VTES 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTES charges 0.05% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VTES currently yields 2.74% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VTES and VYM share 0 holdings out of 1589 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, VTES or VYM?
VTES has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VTES or VYM?
Over the past year VTES returned +1.78% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VTES annualized +2.83% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTES or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.3% for VTES. Worst drawdown: VTES -2.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VTES and VYM?
VTES and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTES and VYM?
VTES and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1589 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTES or VYM?
VTES yields 2.74% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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