VYM vs WDIV
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. WDIV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WDIV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.40% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $289M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 4.09% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 121 | |
| YTD Return | +14.84% | +14.83% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.88% | +22.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.34% | +18.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.04% | +9.49% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -44.5% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | May 29, 2013 |
VYM vs WDIV Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF (WDIV) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VYM returned +20.88% while WDIV returned +22.13%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.84% versus a gain of 14.83% for WDIV.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.34% per year against +18.96% for WDIV; over five years the annualized figures are +12.04% and +9.49% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +4.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WDIV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% 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 -44.5% for WDIV. 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WDIV charges 0.40%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $40 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 4.09% for WDIV.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WDIV share 13 holdings out of 684 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WDIV?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WDIV charges 0.40%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WDIV?
Over the past year VYM returned +20.88% vs +22.13% for WDIV, so WDIV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +4.57% for WDIV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WDIV?
WDIV has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WDIV -44.5%.
Should I hold both VYM and WDIV?
VYM and WDIV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WDIV?
VYM and WDIV share 13 common holdings with a 2.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 684 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WDIV?
VYM yields 2.24% while WDIV yields 4.09%, so WDIV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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