VYM vs WTV
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs WisdomTree US Value Fund
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. WTV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | WTV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.12% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $3.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 1.86% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 118 | |
| YTD Return | +15.60% | +16.27% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.48% | +23.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.07% | +21.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.50% | +14.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 19.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -42.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Feb 23, 2007 |
VYM vs WTV Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and WisdomTree US Value Fund (WTV) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year VYM returned +23.48% while WTV returned +23.74%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.60% versus a gain of 16.27% for WTV.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.07% per year against +21.74% for WTV; over five years the annualized figures are +12.50% and +14.30% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, WTV has the edge at +13.10% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WTV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.3% 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 -42.2% for WTV. 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 0.95. 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 WTV charges 0.12%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $12 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 1.86% for WTV.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and WTV share 81 holdings out of 646 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WTV?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WTV charges 0.12%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WTV?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.48% vs +23.74% for WTV, so WTV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VYM annualized +7.05% vs +13.10% for WTV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WTV?
WTV has been the more volatile fund at 19.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WTV -42.2%.
Should I hold both VYM and WTV?
VYM and WTV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.95, 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 WTV?
VYM and WTV share 81 common holdings with a 23.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 646 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WTV?
VYM yields 2.24% while WTV yields 1.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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