VWIUX vs VYM
Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VWIUX offers more diversification with 15,066 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VWIUX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $86.4B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.13% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 15,066 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -1.59% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.04% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +0.67% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.78% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2001 | Nov 10, 2006 |
VWIUX vs VYM Performance
Vanguard Intermediate Term Tax-Exempt Fund admiral class (VWIUX) is a mutual fund from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year VWIUX returned +1.04% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, VWIUX is down 1.59% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, VWIUX compounded at +0.67% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.78% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs -1.78%. 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 5.4% for VWIUX. 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 -16.1% for VWIUX 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VWIUX charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VWIUX currently yields 3.13% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
VWIUX and VYM share 0 holdings out of 2366 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, VWIUX or VYM?
VWIUX has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VWIUX or VYM?
Over the past year VWIUX returned +1.04% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VWIUX annualized -1.78% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VWIUX or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.4% for VWIUX. Worst drawdown: VWIUX -16.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both VWIUX and VYM?
VWIUX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VWIUX and VYM?
VWIUX and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2366 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VWIUX or VYM?
VWIUX yields 3.13% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VWIUX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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