VYM vs WOMN
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Impact Shares Women's Empowerment ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WOMN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.75% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $59M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.81% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 204 | |
| YTD Return | +16.42% | +10.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.22% | +15.18% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.03% | +15.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +9.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 16.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -32.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Impact shares | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Aug 24, 2018 |
VYM vs WOMN Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Impact Shares Women's Empowerment ETF (WOMN) is a ETF from Impact shares. Over the past year VYM returned +24.22% while WOMN returned +15.18%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.42% versus a gain of 10.80% for WOMN.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.03% per year against +15.10% for WOMN; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +9.30% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, WOMN has the edge at +13.03% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WOMN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -32.2% for WOMN. 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WOMN charges 0.75%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $75 annually, a gap of $71 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 0.81% for WOMN.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WOMN share 112 holdings out of 694 unique holdings combined, representing a 46.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WOMN?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WOMN charges 0.75%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $71 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WOMN?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.22% vs +15.18% for WOMN, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), VYM annualized +7.10% vs +13.03% for WOMN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WOMN?
WOMN has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WOMN -32.2%.
Should I hold both VYM and WOMN?
VYM and WOMN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WOMN?
VYM and WOMN share 112 common holdings with a 46.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 694 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WOMN?
VYM yields 2.24% while WOMN yields 0.81%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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