VYM vs WTRE
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs WisdomTree New Economy Real Estate Fund
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. WTRE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WTRE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.58% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $16M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 2.36% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 62 | |
| YTD Return | +15.60% | +12.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.48% | +25.27% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.07% | +16.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.50% | +0.55% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 21.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -75.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jun 5, 2007 |
VYM vs WTRE Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and WisdomTree New Economy Real Estate Fund (WTRE) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year VYM returned +23.48% while WTRE returned +25.27%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.60% versus a gain of 12.02% for WTRE.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.07% per year against +16.44% for WTRE; over five years the annualized figures are +12.50% and +0.55% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs -3.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WTRE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.2% 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 -75.9% for WTRE. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WTRE charges 0.58%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $58 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 2.36% for WTRE.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WTRE share 1 holdings out of 666 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in VYM | Weight in WTRE | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| IRDM | 0.02% | 1.19% | 1.17% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WTRE?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WTRE charges 0.58%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WTRE?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.48% vs +25.27% for WTRE, so WTRE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), VYM annualized +7.05% vs -3.18% for WTRE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WTRE?
WTRE has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WTRE -75.9%.
Should I hold both VYM and WTRE?
VYM and WTRE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WTRE?
VYM and WTRE share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 666 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WTRE?
VYM yields 2.24% while WTRE yields 2.36%, so WTRE 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.