VTHR vs VYM
Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTHR offers more diversification with 2392 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTHR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.7B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.23% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 2,929 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.90% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.15% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.38% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.39% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VTHR vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Russell 3000 ETF (VTHR) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTHR returned +22.15% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, VTHR is up 14.90% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, VTHR compounded at +21.38% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.39% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTHR has the edge at +13.24% annualized vs +7.11%. 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 14.6% for VTHR. 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 -34.6% for VTHR 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
VTHR 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, VTHR currently yields 1.23% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VTHR and VYM share 470 holdings out of 2480 unique holdings combined, representing a 32.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTHR or VYM?
VTHR 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, VTHR or VYM?
Over the past year VTHR returned +22.15% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VTHR annualized +13.24% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTHR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VTHR. Worst drawdown: VTHR -34.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VTHR and VYM?
VTHR 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 VTHR and VYM?
VTHR and VYM share 470 common holdings with a 32.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2480 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTHR or VYM?
VTHR yields 1.23% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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