VYM vs WDNA
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Wisdomtree BioRevolution Fund
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. WDNA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WDNA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $3M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 3.97% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 84 | |
| YTD Return | +15.75% | +26.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.85% | +47.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.14% | +9.90% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.45% | -3.48% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 23.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -58.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jun 3, 2021 |
VYM vs WDNA Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Wisdomtree BioRevolution Fund (WDNA) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year VYM returned +23.85% while WDNA returned +47.99%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.75% versus a gain of 26.36% for WDNA.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.14% per year against +9.90% for WDNA; over five years the annualized figures are +12.45% and -3.48% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs -2.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WDNA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -58.9% for WDNA. 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WDNA 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 2.24% against 3.97% for WDNA.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WDNA share 9 holdings out of 677 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WDNA?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WDNA 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 WDNA?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.85% vs +47.99% for WDNA, so WDNA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VYM annualized +7.06% vs -2.57% for WDNA. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WDNA?
WDNA has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WDNA -58.9%.
Should I hold both VYM and WDNA?
VYM and WDNA have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WDNA?
VYM and WDNA share 9 common holdings with a 5.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 677 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WDNA?
VYM yields 2.24% while WDNA yields 3.97%, so WDNA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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