DLN vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DLN (WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DLN is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Index, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, DLN returned 12.86%/yr vs 11.98%/yr for VYM. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DLN charges 0.28%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

DLN vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN) 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, DLN achieves a 9.95% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 11.51% return. Over the past 10 years, DLN has outperformed VYM with an annualized return of 12.86%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively lower 11.98% annualized return.

DLN

• 1D: -0.13%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: 9.95%
• 6M: 9.49%
• 1Y: 21.42%
• 3Y*: 18.12%
• 5Y*: 12.49%
• 10Y*: 12.86%

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)

DLN vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DLN WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund	9.95%	15.53%	19.66%	9.95%	-3.78%	25.60%	4.59%	28.91%	-5.82%	18.22%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	11.51%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between DLN and VYM is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2006	0.97

The correlation between DLN and VYM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

DLN vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DLN	VYM
Technology	22.8%	20.3%
Financial Services	17.4%	19.9%
Healthcare	12.6%	12.2%
Consumer Defensive	8.9%	8.0%
Energy	7.9%	9.1%
Industrials	7.8%	11.8%
Communication Services	7.5%	3.4%
Utilities	5.5%	5.4%
Consumer Cyclical	4.9%	6.6%
Real Estate	3.9%	0.0%
Basic Materials	1.0%	3.4%

Return for Risk

DLN vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DLN

DLN Risk / Return Rank: 78
DLN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 79
DLN Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
DLN Omega Ratio Rank: 77
DLN Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
DLN Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

DLN vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN) 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.

	DLN	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.39	2.33	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.40	3.33	+0.07
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.43	1.42	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.53	3.61	-0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.80	13.43	+1.37

DLN vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DLN Sharpe Ratio is 2.39, which is comparable to the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.33. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DLN 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

DLN vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLN drawdown since its inception was -57.84%, roughly equal to the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLN and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLN	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.84%	-56.98%	-0.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.10%	-6.69%	+0.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-13.71%	-14.46%	+0.75%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-16.26%	-15.84%	-0.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.82%	-35.21%	-0.61%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.12%	-1.28%	+0.16%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.50%	-7.18%	-0.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.45%	1.80%	-0.35%

Volatility

DLN vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund (DLN) is 2.78%, while Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) has a volatility of 3.02%. This indicates that DLN experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DLN	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.78%	3.02%	-0.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.00%	7.64%	-0.64%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.03%	10.39%	-1.36%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.27%	13.93%	-0.66%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.14%	16.32%	-0.18%

DLN vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DLN has a 0.28% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

DLN vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

DLN's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.79%, less than VYM's 2.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLN WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Fund	1.79%	1.90%	2.00%	2.43%	2.53%	2.01%	2.66%	2.51%	2.90%	2.33%	2.64%	2.80%
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 DLN and VYM in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, DLN and VYM move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, DLN or VYM?

VYM has higher volatility (3.02%) compared to DLN (2.78%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DLN dropped -57.84% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, DLN or VYM?

On 10-year performance, DLN leads with 12.86% vs 11.98% for VYM. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, DLN has been the lower-risk option at 2.78%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DLN or VYM?

Over the 10-year period, DLN has performed better with a 12.86% return vs 11.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DLN or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.28% for DLN.

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

VYM has the higher dividend yield at 2.30%, compared with 1.79% for DLN.

What is the main difference between DLN and VYM?

DLN is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while VYM is Dividend. DLN tracks WisdomTree U.S. LargeCap Dividend Index, while VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.28% for DLN and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DLN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.39 vs 2.33), 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.