VYM vs WLDR
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Simplify Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. WLDR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WLDR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.67% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $91M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 1.28% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 121 | |
| YTD Return | +16.53% | +32.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.03% | +49.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.54% | +31.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.25% | +18.53% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 18.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -47.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Simplify Exchange Traded Funds | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jan 16, 2018 |
VYM vs WLDR Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Simplify Affinity World Leaders Equity ETF (WLDR) is a ETF from Simplify Exchange Traded Funds. Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% while WLDR returned +49.58%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.53% versus a gain of 32.56% for WLDR.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.54% per year against +31.79% for WLDR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.25% and +18.53% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, WLDR has the edge at +11.71% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WLDR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 -47.1% for WLDR. 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WLDR charges 0.67%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $67 annually, a gap of $63 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 1.28% for WLDR.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WLDR share 36 holdings out of 634 unique holdings combined, representing a 11.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WLDR?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WLDR charges 0.67%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $63 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WLDR?
Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% vs +49.58% for WLDR, so WLDR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VYM annualized +7.10% vs +11.71% for WLDR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WLDR?
WLDR has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WLDR -47.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and WLDR?
VYM and WLDR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WLDR?
VYM and WLDR share 36 common holdings with a 11.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 634 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WLDR?
VYM yields 2.86% while WLDR yields 1.28%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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