VWID vs VYM
Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VWID delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VWID | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $13M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.68% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 158 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +7.80% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +49.28% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.67% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.86% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Virtus Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 10, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VWID vs VYM Performance
Virtus WMC International Dividend ETF (VWID) is a ETF from Virtus Investment Partners and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VWID returned +49.28% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, VWID is up 7.80% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, VWID compounded at +18.67% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.86% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VWID has the edge at +10.15% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VWID has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -52.4% for VWID 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VWID charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VWID currently yields 3.68% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VWID and VYM share 0 holdings out of 700 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, VWID or VYM?
VWID has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VWID or VYM?
Over the past year VWID returned +49.28% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VWID leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VWID annualized +10.15% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VWID or VYM?
VWID has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VWID -52.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VWID and VYM?
VWID and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VWID and VYM?
VWID and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 700 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VWID or VYM?
VWID yields 3.68% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VWID currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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