VYM vs WBND
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Western Asset Total Return ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WBND | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.65% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $10M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 4.06% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 512 | |
| YTD Return | +16.78% | +4.40% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.43% | +1.11% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60% | +1.75% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | -2.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 142.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -81.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Fixed Income | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Oct 3, 2018 |
VYM vs WBND Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Western Asset Total Return ETF (WBND) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% while WBND returned +1.11%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.78% versus a gain of 4.40% for WBND.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.60% per year against +1.75% for WBND; over five years the annualized figures are +12.30% and -2.98% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +0.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WBND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 142.2% 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 -81.5% for WBND. 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 0.07. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WBND charges 0.65%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $65 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 4.06% for WBND.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WBND?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WBND charges 0.65%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WBND?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% vs +1.11% for WBND, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), VYM annualized +7.11% vs +0.85% for WBND. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WBND?
WBND has been the more volatile fund at 142.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WBND -81.5%.
Should I hold both VYM and WBND?
VYM and WBND have a monthly-return correlation of 0.07, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WBND?
VYM yields 2.86% while WBND yields 4.06%, so WBND currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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