VYM vs WTPI
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs WisdomTree Equity Premium Income Fund
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 | WTPI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.44% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $491M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 12.25% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +16.10% | +6.56% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.99% | +15.81% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.29% | +13.58% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.35% | +9.59% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 10.7% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -32.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Feb 24, 2016 |
VYM vs WTPI Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and WisdomTree Equity Premium Income Fund (WTPI) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year VYM returned +25.99% while WTPI returned +15.81%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.10% versus a gain of 6.56% for WTPI.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.29% per year against +13.58% for WTPI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.35% and +9.59% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.7% for WTPI. 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 -32.3% for WTPI. 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WTPI charges 0.44%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $44 annually, a gap of $40 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 12.25% for WTPI.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WTPI share 0 holdings out of 560 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WTPI?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WTPI charges 0.44%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $40 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WTPI?
Over the past year VYM returned +25.99% vs +15.81% for WTPI, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), VYM annualized +7.08% vs +7.05% for WTPI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WTPI?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.7% for WTPI. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WTPI -32.3%.
Should I hold both VYM and WTPI?
VYM and WTPI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WTPI?
VYM and WTPI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WTPI?
VYM yields 2.86% while WTPI yields 12.25%, so WTPI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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