DIVS vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DIVS (SmartETFs Dividend Builder ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DIVS is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Guinness Atkinson Asset Management, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. DIVS is actively managed, while VYM is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, DIVS returned 9.00%/yr vs 11.88%/yr for VYM. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DIVS charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

DIVS vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SmartETFs Dividend Builder ETF (DIVS) 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, DIVS achieves a 6.02% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 11.51% return.

DIVS

• 1D: -0.68%
• 1M: -0.53%
• YTD: 6.02%
• 6M: 5.56%
• 1Y: 10.66%
• 3Y*: 12.30%
• 5Y*: 9.00%
• 10Y*: —

VYM

• 1D: -0.16%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 11.51%
• 6M: 10.83%
• 1Y: 24.08%
• 3Y*: 18.41%
• 5Y*: 11.88%
• 10Y*: 11.98%

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

DIVS vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DIVS SmartETFs Dividend Builder ETF	6.02%	11.66%	12.60%	15.98%	-8.97%	17.30%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	11.51%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	12.67%

Correlation

The correlation between DIVS and VYM is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 29, 2021	0.81

The correlation between DIVS and VYM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

DIVS vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DIVS	VYM
Industrials	24.8%	11.8%
Technology	22.5%	20.3%
Consumer Defensive	20.6%	8.0%
Financial Services	13.6%	19.9%
Healthcare	12.7%	12.2%
Communication Services	3.2%	3.4%
Consumer Cyclical	2.6%	6.6%
Basic Materials	-	3.4%
Energy	-	9.1%
Real Estate	-	0.0%
Utilities	-	5.4%

Return for Risk

DIVS vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DIVS

DIVS Risk / Return Rank: 27
DIVS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
DIVS Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
DIVS Omega Ratio Rank: 27
DIVS Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
DIVS Martin Ratio Rank: 27

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 75
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 75
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 74

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.

DIVS vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SmartETFs Dividend Builder ETF (DIVS) 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.

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.

	DIVS	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.01	2.33	-1.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	3.33	-1.84
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.42	-0.24
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.01	3.61	-2.60
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.60	13.43	-9.83

DIVS vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DIVS Sharpe Ratio is 1.01, which is lower than the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DIVS 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.

Drawdowns

DIVS vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DIVS drawdown since its inception was -29.55%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DIVS and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DIVS	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.55%	-56.98%	+27.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.62%	-6.69%	-3.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.61%	-14.46%	+1.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.71%	-15.84%	-4.87%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.01%	-1.28%	-0.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.70%	-7.18%	+3.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.97%	1.80%	+1.17%

Volatility

DIVS vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

SmartETFs Dividend Builder ETF (DIVS) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) have volatilities of 2.91% and 3.02%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DIVS	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.91%	3.02%	-0.11%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.42%	7.64%	+0.78%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.60%	10.39%	+0.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.07%	13.93%	-0.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.10%	16.32%	+9.78%

DIVS vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DIVS has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

DIVS vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

DIVS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.17%, more than VYM's 2.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DIVS SmartETFs Dividend Builder ETF	3.17%	2.61%	2.66%	3.14%	5.93%	3.76%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.30%	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 DIVS and VYM in my portfolio?

DIVS and VYM have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DIVS or VYM?

VYM has higher volatility (3.02%) compared to DIVS (2.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DIVS dropped -29.55% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, DIVS or VYM?

On 5-year performance, VYM leads with 11.88% vs 9.00% for DIVS. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, DIVS has been the lower-risk option at 2.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DIVS or VYM?

Over the 5-year period, VYM has performed better with a 11.88% return vs 9.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DIVS or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for DIVS.

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

DIVS has the higher dividend yield at 3.17%, compared with 2.30% for VYM.

What is the main difference between DIVS and VYM?

DIVS is categorized as Global Equities, while VYM is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: Guinness Atkinson Asset Management and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for DIVS and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 1.01), 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.