VUS vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVUSVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.25%0.04%
AUM$18M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.74%2.86%
Holdings95568
YTD Return+20.76%+16.10%
1Y Return-+25.99%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.29%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.35%
Volatility (annualized)-14.6%
Max Drawdown-9.4%-58.8%
Fund FamilyVirtus Investment PartnersVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionDec 2, 2025Nov 10, 2006

VUS vs VYM Performance

Virtus US Dividend ETF (VUS) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, VUS is up 20.76% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -9.4% for VUS and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VUS charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VUS currently yields 0.74% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

19.2%overlap

VUS and VYM share 30 holdings out of 622 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in VUSWeight in VYMDifference
AVGO3.52%6.47%2.95%
JNJ2.05%2.62%0.57%
JPM:US1.00%3.36%2.36%
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CSCOProProPro
BACProProPro
ADIProProPro
AMGNProProPro
TXNProProPro
VZProProPro
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, VUS or VYM?

VUS has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between VUS and VYM?

VUS and VYM share 30 common holdings with a 19.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 622 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VUS or VYM?

VUS yields 0.74% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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