VTWO vs VYM
Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VTWO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTWO offers more diversification with 2,015 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VTWO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $16.8B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.11% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 2,015 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +18.82% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.19% | +21.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.08% | +18.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.91% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 20, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VTWO vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VTWO returned +27.19% while VYM returned +21.08%. Year to date, VTWO is up 18.82% versus a gain of 14.57% for VYM.
Over three years, VTWO compounded at +17.08% per year against +18.16% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.91% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTWO has the edge at +10.55% annualized vs +6.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTWO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.1% 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 -42.4% for VTWO 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VTWO 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, VTWO currently yields 1.11% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VTWO and VYM share 184 holdings out of 2397 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VTWO or VYM?
VTWO 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, VTWO or VYM?
Over the past year VTWO returned +27.19% vs +21.08% for VYM, so VTWO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), VTWO annualized +10.55% vs +6.99% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VTWO or VYM?
VTWO has been the more volatile fund at 19.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VTWO -42.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VTWO and VYM?
VTWO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VTWO and VYM?
VTWO and VYM share 184 common holdings with a 2.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2397 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VTWO or VYM?
VTWO yields 1.11% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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