VCIT vs. VYM
VCIT (Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VCIT is a Corporate Bonds fund tracking the Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Index, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VCIT returned 2.87%/yr vs 11.98%/yr for VYM. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VCIT charges 0.03%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.
Performance
VCIT vs. VYM - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VCIT achieves a 0.31% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 11.51% return. Over the past 10 years, VCIT has underperformed VYM with an annualized return of 2.87%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.98% annualized return.
VCIT
- 1D
- 0.10%
- 1M
- 0.60%
- YTD
- 0.31%
- 6M
- 0.47%
- 1Y
- 5.17%
- 3Y*
- 6.09%
- 5Y*
- 1.14%
- 10Y*
- 2.87%
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%
VCIT vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF | 0.31% | 9.34% | 3.20% | 8.98% | -13.98% | -1.77% | 9.46% | 14.10% | -1.74% | 5.31% |
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 VCIT and VYM is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.42 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.32 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.26 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.14 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 23, 2009 | 0.01 |
Over the past year, VCIT and VYM have become more correlated (0.42) than their long-term average of 0.01, meaning their price movements have been converging.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
VCIT vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank
VCIT
VYM
VCIT vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) 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.
| VCIT | VYM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.06 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -1.45 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.23 | 1.42 | -0.20 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.76 | 3.61 | -1.86 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 5.56 | 13.43 | -7.87 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
VCIT vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VCIT drawdown since its inception was -20.56%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VCIT and VYM.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| VCIT | VYM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -20.56% | -56.98% | +36.42% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.96% | -6.69% | +3.73% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -6.11% | -14.46% | +8.35% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -20.56% | -15.84% | -4.72% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -20.56% | -35.21% | +14.65% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.22% | -1.28% | +0.06% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -3.15% | -7.18% | +4.03% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 0.93% | 1.80% | -0.87% |
Volatility
VCIT vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCIT) is 1.24%, while Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) has a volatility of 3.02%. This indicates that VCIT 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.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| VCIT | VYM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.24% | 3.02% | -1.78% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.17% | 7.64% | -4.47% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.10% | 10.39% | -6.29% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.62% | 13.93% | -7.31% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 6.29% | 16.32% | -10.03% |
VCIT vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison
VCIT has a 0.03% expense ratio, which is lower than VYM's 0.04% 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
VCIT vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison
VCIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.80%, more than VYM's 2.30% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VCIT Vanguard Intermediate-Term Corporate Bond ETF | 4.80% | 4.62% | 4.43% | 3.72% | 3.03% | 2.87% | 2.78% | 3.37% | 3.61% | 3.21% | 3.29% | 3.34% |
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
VCIT and VYM have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
VYM has higher volatility (3.02%) compared to VCIT (1.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VCIT dropped -20.56% vs VYM's -56.98%.
On 10-year performance, VYM leads with 11.98% vs 2.87% for VCIT. On fees, VCIT is cheaper at 0.03% per year. On volatility, VCIT has been the lower-risk option at 1.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, VYM has performed better with a 11.98% return vs 2.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
VCIT is cheaper with a 0.03% expense ratio, compared with 0.04% for VYM.
VCIT has the higher dividend yield at 4.80%, compared with 2.30% for VYM.
VCIT is categorized as Corporate Bonds, while VYM is Dividend. VCIT tracks Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Corporate Bond Index, while VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Their fees differ too: 0.03% for VCIT and 0.04% for VYM.
VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.33 vs 1.27), 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.
Find the right allocation for VCIT and VYM
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer