DPG vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DPG (Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Inc) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both funds - DPG is a Utilities Equities fund managed by Duff & Phelps, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Over the past 10 years, DPG returned 7.71%/yr vs 11.90%/yr for VYM. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DPG charges 2.26%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

DPG vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Inc (DPG) 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, DPG achieves a 13.60% return, which is significantly higher than VYM's 12.47% return. Over the past 10 years, DPG has underperformed VYM with an annualized return of 7.71%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.90% annualized return.

DPG

• 1D: -0.42%
• 1M: -4.85%
• YTD: 13.60%
• 6M: 12.54%
• 1Y: 22.19%
• 3Y*: 12.66%
• 5Y*: 7.61%
• 10Y*: 7.71%

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)

DPG vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DPG Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Inc	13.60%	16.33%	38.22%	-25.07%	3.15%	30.37%	-8.91%	40.68%	-15.84%	9.12%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	12.47%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between DPG and VYM is 0.38, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.38
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.54
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 2, 2011	0.51

The correlation between DPG and VYM shifts across timeframes, from 0.38 (1 year) to 0.54 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DPG vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

DPG

DPG Risk / Return Rank: 49
DPG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
DPG Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
DPG Omega Ratio Rank: 35
DPG Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
DPG Martin Ratio Rank: 51

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.

DPG vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Inc (DPG) 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.

	DPG	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	2.56	-0.74
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.55	3.65	-1.10
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.46	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.81	3.93	-0.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.48	14.76	-4.28
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DPG vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DPG Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DPG 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

	DPG	VYM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.82	2.56	-0.74
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.36	0.83	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.27	0.73	-0.46
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	0.51	-0.26

Drawdowns

DPG vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DPG drawdown since its inception was -64.61%, which is greater than VYM's maximum drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DPG and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	DPG	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-64.61%	-56.98%	-7.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.85%	-6.69%	+0.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-35.48%	-14.46%	-21.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-41.11%	-15.84%	-25.27%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.61%	-35.21%	-29.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.67%	-0.43%	-5.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.40%	-7.19%	-3.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.13%	1.78%	+0.35%

Volatility

DPG vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Inc (DPG) has a higher volatility of 4.06% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 2.77%. This indicates that DPG'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

	DPG	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.06%	2.77%	+1.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.00%	7.67%	+2.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.27%	10.28%	+1.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.06%	13.96%	+7.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	29.01%	16.34%	+12.67%

DPG vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

DPG has a 2.26% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

DPG vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

DPG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.96%, more than VYM's 2.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DPG Duff & Phelps Utility and Infrastructure Fund Inc	5.96%	6.61%	7.19%	12.21%	10.36%	9.70%	11.48%	9.21%	11.81%	9.02%	9.03%	9.50%
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 DPG and VYM in my portfolio?

DPG and VYM have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DPG or VYM?

DPG has higher volatility (4.06%) compared to VYM (2.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DPG dropped -64.61% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 1.82), 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.