VYM vs WCMI
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs First Trust WCM International Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. WCMI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WCMI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $1.7B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.54% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 51 | |
| YTD Return | +16.78% | +15.98% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.43% | +27.64% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 13.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -12.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 31, 2020 |
VYM vs WCMI Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and First Trust WCM International Equity ETF (WCMI) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% while WCMI returned +27.64%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.78% versus a gain of 15.98% for WCMI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.8% for WCMI. 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 -12.8% for WCMI. 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
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WCMI charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $85 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 0.54% for WCMI.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WCMI share 3 holdings out of 599 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WCMI?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WCMI charges 0.85%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WCMI?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% vs +27.64% for WCMI, so WCMI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VYM annualized +7.11% vs +22.76% for WCMI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WCMI?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.8% for WCMI. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WCMI -12.8%.
Should I hold both VYM and WCMI?
VYM and WCMI 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 VYM and WCMI?
VYM and WCMI share 3 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 599 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WCMI?
VYM yields 2.86% while WCMI yields 0.54%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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