VYM vs WBIY
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs WBI Power Factor High Dividend ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. WBIY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WBIY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.97% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $64M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 4.06% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +22.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +31.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | +19.41% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +12.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 21.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -52.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WBI Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Dec 19, 2016 |
VYM vs WBIY Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and WBI Power Factor High Dividend ETF (WBIY) is a ETF from WBI Investments. Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% while WBIY returned +31.82%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.34% versus a gain of 22.95% for WBIY.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.22% per year against +19.41% for WBIY; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +12.38% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, WBIY has the edge at +7.46% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WBIY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.7% 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 -58.8% for VYM and -52.1% for WBIY. 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WBIY charges 0.97%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $97 annually, a gap of $93 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 4.06% for WBIY.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WBIY share 40 holdings out of 613 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WBIY?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WBIY charges 0.97%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $93 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WBIY?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% vs +31.82% for WBIY, so WBIY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs +7.46% for WBIY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WBIY?
WBIY has been the more volatile fund at 21.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WBIY -52.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and WBIY?
VYM and WBIY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WBIY?
VYM and WBIY share 40 common holdings with a 5.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 613 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WBIY?
VYM yields 2.24% while WBIY yields 4.06%, so WBIY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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