VTWG vs VYM
Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VTWG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTWG offers more diversification with 1110 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTWG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.57% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,125 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +20.33% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.60% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.54% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.52% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VTWG vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTWG returned +29.60% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, VTWG is up 20.33% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, VTWG compounded at +18.54% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.52% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTWG has the edge at +11.59% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTWG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.0% 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 -42.1% for VTWG 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTWG 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, VTWG currently yields 0.57% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VTWG and VYM share 78 holdings out of 1590 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTWG or VYM?
VTWG 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, VTWG or VYM?
Over the past year VTWG returned +29.60% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VTWG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VTWG annualized +11.59% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTWG or VYM?
VTWG has been the more volatile fund at 20.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VTWG -42.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VTWG and VYM?
VTWG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTWG and VYM?
VTWG and VYM share 78 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1590 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTWG or VYM?
VTWG yields 0.57% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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