VYM vs WUGI
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs AXS Esoterica NextG Economy 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 | WUGI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $33M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.25% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 26 | |
| YTD Return | +15.60% | +15.44% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.48% | +0.46% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.07% | +23.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.50% | +9.46% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 28.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -56.4% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | AXS Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 31, 2020 |
VYM vs WUGI Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and AXS Esoterica NextG Economy ETF (WUGI) is a ETF from AXS Investments. Over the past year VYM returned +23.48% while WUGI returned +0.46%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.60% versus a gain of 15.44% for WUGI.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.07% per year against +23.85% for WUGI; over five years the annualized figures are +12.50% and +9.46% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, WUGI has the edge at +21.10% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
WUGI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 28.9% 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 -56.4% for WUGI. 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while WUGI charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $79 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 0.25% for WUGI.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or WUGI?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while WUGI charges 0.79%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or WUGI?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.48% vs +0.46% for WUGI, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VYM annualized +7.05% vs +21.10% for WUGI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or WUGI?
WUGI has been the more volatile fund at 28.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs WUGI -56.4%.
Should I hold both VYM and WUGI?
VYM and WUGI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and WUGI?
VYM and WUGI share 2 common holdings with a 5.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 630 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or WUGI?
VYM yields 2.24% while WUGI yields 0.25%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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