DHY vs. VHYAX

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

DHY (Dimensional High Yield Equity Fund) and VHYAX (Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both mutual funds - DHY is a Dividend fund managed by Dimensional Fund Advisors, while VHYAX is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Over the past 5 years, DHY returned 1.92%/yr vs 11.70%/yr for VHYAX. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DHY charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for VHYAX.

Performance

DHY vs. VHYAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional High Yield Equity Fund (DHY) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares (VHYAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DHY achieves a -8.56% return, which is significantly lower than VHYAX's 11.44% return.

DHY

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.82%
• YTD: -8.56%
• 6M: -8.56%
• 1Y: -8.92%
• 3Y*: 5.97%
• 5Y*: 1.92%
• 10Y*: 6.19%

VHYAX

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: 0.23%
• YTD: 11.44%
• 6M: 10.24%
• 1Y: 23.67%
• 3Y*: 18.34%
• 5Y*: 11.70%
• 10Y*: —

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

DHY vs. VHYAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
DHY Dimensional High Yield Equity Fund	-8.56%	2.19%	18.18%	24.13%	-21.75%	16.99%	0.10%	16.54%
VHYAX Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares	11.44%	15.39%	17.39%	6.68%	-0.45%	26.08%	1.06%	16.67%

Correlation

The correlation between DHY and VHYAX is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.29
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 7, 2019	0.36

Return for Risk

DHY vs. VHYAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

DHY

DHY Risk / Return Rank: 1
DHY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 1
DHY Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
DHY Omega Ratio Rank: 1
DHY Calmar Ratio Rank: 1
DHY Martin Ratio Rank: 0

VHYAX

VHYAX Risk / Return Rank: 79
VHYAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
VHYAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VHYAX Omega Ratio Rank: 74
VHYAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
VHYAX Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

DHY vs. VHYAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional High Yield Equity Fund (DHY) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares (VHYAX). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DHY	VHYAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.74	2.22	-2.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.99	3.18	-4.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.88	1.40	-0.52
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.69	3.42	-4.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.49	12.82	-14.31

DHY vs. VHYAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DHY Sharpe Ratio is -0.74, which is lower than the VHYAX Sharpe Ratio of 2.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DHY and VHYAX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

DHY vs. VHYAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DHY drawdown since its inception was -71.47%, which is greater than VHYAX's maximum drawdown of -35.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DHY and VHYAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DHY	VHYAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-71.47%	-35.14%	-36.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.03%	-6.75%	-6.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.03%	-14.42%	+1.39%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.23%	-15.87%	-11.36%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.36%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.75%	-1.32%	-10.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.35%	-3.75%	-8.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.00%	1.80%	+4.20%

Volatility

DHY vs. VHYAX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional High Yield Equity Fund (DHY) is 2.13%, while Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares (VHYAX) has a volatility of 2.93%. This indicates that DHY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VHYAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DHY	VHYAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.13%	2.93%	-0.80%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.88%	7.71%	+2.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.16%	10.44%	+1.72%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.36%	13.97%	+1.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.94%	17.91%	+0.03%

DHY vs. VHYAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DHY has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than VHYAX's 0.08% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DHY vs. VHYAX - Dividend Comparison

DHY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.69%, more than VHYAX's 2.27% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DHY Dimensional High Yield Equity Fund	10.69%	9.30%	8.69%	9.39%	10.57%	7.61%	8.68%	9.02%	11.20%	9.40%	10.52%	12.63%
VHYAX Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund Admiral Shares	2.27%	2.42%	2.72%	3.09%	2.98%	2.74%	3.16%	3.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DHY and VHYAX in my portfolio?

DHY and VHYAX have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DHY or VHYAX?

VHYAX has higher volatility (2.93%) compared to DHY (2.13%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DHY dropped -71.47% vs VHYAX's -35.14%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VHYAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.22 vs -0.74), 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.