VYM vs YLDE
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Franklin ClearBridge Enhanced Income 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 | YLDE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.48% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $173M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 6.39% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 58 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +10.81% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +16.13% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | +17.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +10.94% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.8% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -33.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | May 22, 2017 |
VYM vs YLDE Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Franklin ClearBridge Enhanced Income ETF (YLDE) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US). Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% while YLDE returned +16.13%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.34% versus a gain of 10.81% for YLDE.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.22% per year against +17.10% for YLDE; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +10.94% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, YLDE has the edge at +11.63% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
YLDE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.8% 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 -33.3% for YLDE. 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 0.94. 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 YLDE charges 0.48%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $48 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 6.39% for YLDE.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and YLDE share 30 holdings out of 624 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or YLDE?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YLDE charges 0.48%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or YLDE?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% vs +16.13% for YLDE, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs +11.63% for YLDE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or YLDE?
YLDE has been the more volatile fund at 14.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs YLDE -33.3%.
Should I hold both VYM and YLDE?
VYM and YLDE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, 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 YLDE?
VYM and YLDE share 30 common holdings with a 21.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 624 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or YLDE?
VYM yields 2.24% while YLDE yields 6.39%, so YLDE 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.