VYM vs WEEI
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. WEEI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WEEI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $101M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 12.19% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 106 | |
| YTD Return | +14.84% | +22.19% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.88% | +29.10% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.34% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.04% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 16.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -18.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Westwood Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Apr 30, 2024 |
VYM vs WEEI Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Westwood Salient Enhanced Energy Income ETF (WEEI) is a ETF from Westwood Funds. Over the past year VYM returned +20.88% while WEEI returned +29.10%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.84% versus a gain of 22.19% for WEEI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WEEI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -18.8% for WEEI. 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WEEI 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 2.24% against 12.19% for WEEI.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WEEI share 18 holdings out of 606 unique holdings combined, representing a 7.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WEEI?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WEEI 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 WEEI?
Over the past year VYM returned +20.88% vs +29.10% for WEEI, so WEEI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +14.30% for WEEI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WEEI?
WEEI has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WEEI -18.8%.
Should I hold both VYM and WEEI?
VYM and WEEI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WEEI?
VYM and WEEI share 18 common holdings with a 7.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WEEI?
VYM yields 2.24% while WEEI yields 12.19%, so WEEI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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