VYM vs WDGF
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs WisdomTree Global Defense Fund ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WDGF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.05% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 98 | |
| YTD Return | +16.78% | +9.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.43% | +12.23% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | - | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -18.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Sep 12, 2025 |
VYM vs WDGF Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and WisdomTree Global Defense Fund ETF (WDGF) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% while WDGF returned +12.23%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.78% versus a gain of 9.82% for WDGF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -58.8% for VYM and -18.0% for WDGF. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WDGF charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $45 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 0.05% for WDGF.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WDGF share 7 holdings out of 647 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WDGF?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WDGF charges 0.45%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WDGF?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% vs +12.23% for WDGF, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WDGF?
VYM and WDGF share 7 common holdings with a 1.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 647 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WDGF?
VYM yields 2.86% while WDGF yields 0.05%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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