VDIG vs. VYM
VDIG (Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VDIG is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Vanguard, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. VDIG is actively managed, while VYM is passively managed. A 0.74 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VDIG charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.
Performance
VDIG vs. VYM - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VDIG achieves a 3.45% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 13.58% return.
VDIG
- 1D
- 0.30%
- 1M
- 2.20%
- 6M
- 1.33%
- YTD
- 3.45%
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
VYM
- 1D
- 0.32%
- 1M
- 1.89%
- 6M
- 10.70%
- YTD
- 13.58%
- 1Y
- 22.37%
- 3Y*
- 18.00%
- 5Y*
- 12.10%
- 10Y*
- 11.59%
VDIG vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
VDIG Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF | 3.45% | 3.50% |
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF | 13.58% | 3.53% |
Correlation
The correlation between VDIG and VYM is 0.74, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 18, 2025 | 0.74 |
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Return for Risk
VDIG vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank
VDIG
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
VYM
VDIG vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF (VDIG) 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.
| VDIG | VYM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.38 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 3.25 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 12.05 | — |
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Drawdowns
VDIG vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VDIG drawdown since its inception was -11.20%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VDIG and VYM.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VDIG | VYM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -11.20% | -56.98% | +45.78% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -6.69% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -14.46% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -15.84% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -35.21% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.20% | 0.00% | -0.20% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -2.68% | -7.16% | +4.48% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 1.80% | — |
Volatility
VDIG vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| VDIG | VYM | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 2.47% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 7.50% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 11.18% | 10.29% | +0.89% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 11.18% | 13.90% | -2.72% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 11.18% | 16.28% | -5.10% |
VDIG vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison
VDIG has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.
Dividends
VDIG vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison
VDIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%, less than VYM's 2.25% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VDIG Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF | 0.12% | 0.13% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF | 2.25% | 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
VDIG and VYM have a correlation of 0.74, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for VDIG.
VYM has the higher dividend yield at 2.25%, compared with 0.12% for VDIG.
VDIG is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while VYM is Dividend. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for VDIG and 0.04% for VYM.
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