VYM vs WRND
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs NYLI Global Equity R&D Leaders ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. WRND delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WRND | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $11M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.96% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 216 | |
| YTD Return | +15.25% | +15.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.18% | +26.51% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.83% | +22.21% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.09% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 17.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -27.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | INDEXIQ ETF TRUST | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Feb 8, 2022 |
VYM vs WRND Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and NYLI Global Equity R&D Leaders ETF (WRND) is a ETF from INDEXIQ ETF TRUST. Over the past year VYM returned +22.18% while WRND returned +26.51%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.25% versus a gain of 15.94% for WRND.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.83% per year against +22.21% for WRND. Across the full 5-year window we track, WRND has the edge at +14.40% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WRND has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.3% 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 -27.2% for WRND. 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WRND charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $18 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 0.96% for WRND.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WRND share 18 holdings out of 790 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WRND?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WRND charges 0.18%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WRND?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.18% vs +26.51% for WRND, so WRND leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VYM annualized +7.03% vs +14.40% for WRND. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WRND?
WRND has been the more volatile fund at 17.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WRND -27.2%.
Should I hold both VYM and WRND?
VYM and WRND have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WRND?
VYM and WRND share 18 common holdings with a 9.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WRND?
VYM yields 2.24% while WRND yields 0.96%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.