CGDG vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CGDG (Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CGDG is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Capital Group, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. CGDG is actively managed, while VYM is passively managed. Over the past year, CGDG returned 15.66% vs 26.16% for VYM. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CGDG charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

CGDG vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF (CGDG) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CGDG achieves a 4.98% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 12.47% return.

CGDG

• 1D: -0.45%
• 1M: 1.00%
• YTD: 4.98%
• 6M: 5.58%
• 1Y: 15.66%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VYM

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 3.38%
• YTD: 12.47%
• 6M: 12.01%
• 1Y: 26.16%
• 3Y*: 18.88%
• 5Y*: 11.48%
• 10Y*: 11.90%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CGDG vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CGDG Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF	4.98%	22.74%	11.52%	9.54%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	12.47%	15.42%	17.60%	8.53%

Correlation

The correlation between CGDG and VYM is 0.85, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2023	0.85

The correlation between CGDG and VYM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.85 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

CGDG vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CGDG	VYM
Financial Services	20.0%	20.5%
Technology	14.1%	17.7%
Industrials	11.4%	12.1%
Consumer Defensive	10.1%	8.1%
Healthcare	8.8%	12.2%
Utilities	8.7%	5.7%
Energy	7.8%	9.8%
Consumer Cyclical	7.8%	6.7%
Basic Materials	5.0%	3.5%
Communication Services	3.2%	3.5%
Real Estate	3.2%	0.0%

Return for Risk

CGDG vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CGDG

CGDG Risk / Return Rank: 42
CGDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
CGDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
CGDG Omega Ratio Rank: 39
CGDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
CGDG Martin Ratio Rank: 47

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 77
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 75

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CGDG vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF (CGDG) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	CGDG	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.48	2.56	-1.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.08	3.65	-1.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.46	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.04	3.93	-1.89
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.88	14.76	-6.88
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CGDG vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CGDG Sharpe Ratio is 1.48, which is lower than the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CGDG and VYM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CGDG	VYM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.48	2.56	-1.08
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.73	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.53	0.51	+1.02

Drawdowns

CGDG vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CGDG drawdown since its inception was -10.52%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CGDG and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	CGDG	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.52%	-56.98%	+46.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.72%	-6.69%	-1.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.46%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-15.84%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.41%	-0.43%	-0.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.32%	-7.19%	+5.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.99%	1.78%	+0.21%

Volatility

CGDG vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF (CGDG) has a higher volatility of 3.24% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 2.77%. This indicates that CGDG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CGDG	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.24%	2.77%	+0.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.28%	7.67%	+0.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.63%	10.28%	+0.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.16%	13.96%	-1.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	12.16%	16.34%	-4.18%

CGDG vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

CGDG has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

CGDG vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

CGDG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.88%, less than VYM's 2.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CGDG Capital Group Dividend Growers ETF	1.88%	1.95%	2.15%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.19%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CGDG and VYM in my portfolio?

CGDG and VYM have a correlation of 0.85, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CGDG or VYM?

CGDG has higher volatility (3.24%) compared to VYM (2.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CGDG dropped -10.52% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, CGDG or VYM?

On 1-year performance, VYM leads with 26.16% vs 15.66% for CGDG. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VYM has been the lower-risk option at 2.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CGDG or VYM?

Over the 1-year period, VYM has performed better with a 26.16% return vs 15.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CGDG or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.47% for CGDG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CGDG or VYM?

VYM has the higher dividend yield at 2.19%, compared with 1.88% for CGDG.

What is the main difference between CGDG and VYM?

CGDG is categorized as Global Equities, while VYM is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: Capital Group and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for CGDG and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 1.48), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.