VYM vs WISE
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WISE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.35% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $26M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 4.16% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 48 | |
| YTD Return | +15.80% | -4.52% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.12% | +4.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.25% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.51% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 31.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -39.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Themes ETFs | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Dec 8, 2023 |
VYM vs WISE Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Themes Generative Artificial Intelligence ETF (WISE) is a ETF from Themes ETFs. Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% while WISE returned +4.34%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.80% versus a loss of 4.52% for WISE.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WISE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.7% 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 -39.1% for WISE. 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WISE charges 0.35%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $35 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 4.16% for WISE.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WISE share 1 holdings out of 598 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VYM | Weight in WISE | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 6.47% | 3.46% | 3.01% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WISE?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WISE charges 0.35%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WISE?
Over the past year VYM returned +26.12% vs +4.34% for WISE, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VYM annualized +7.07% vs +18.29% for WISE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WISE?
WISE has been the more volatile fund at 31.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WISE -39.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and WISE?
VYM and WISE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WISE?
VYM and WISE share 1 common holdings with a 3.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 598 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WISE?
VYM yields 2.86% while WISE yields 4.16%, so WISE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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