VDIG vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

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 0.78 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

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF (VDIG) 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, VDIG achieves a -0.22% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 10.90% return.

VDIG

• 1D: -0.95%
• 1M: 0.86%
• YTD: -0.22%
• 6M: 0.30%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VYM

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: 0.82%
• YTD: 10.90%
• 6M: 10.34%
• 1Y: 25.21%
• 3Y*: 18.37%
• 5Y*: 11.16%
• 10Y*: 11.65%

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

VDIG vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
VDIG Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF	-0.22%	3.68%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	10.90%	3.56%

Correlation

The correlation between VDIG and VYM is 0.78, 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 19, 2025	0.78

Return for Risk

VDIG vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 77
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 79
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 76

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.

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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	VDIG	VYM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.45	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.72	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.57	0.51	+0.07

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.

Drawdown Indicators

	VDIG	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest 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 Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.27%	-1.82%	-0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.99%	-7.19%	+4.20%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	1.78%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	VDIG	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	3.08%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	7.73%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.34%	10.35%	+0.99%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.34%	13.97%	-2.63%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.34%	16.34%	-5.00%

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 0.13%, less than VYM's 2.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VDIG Vanguard Wellington Dividend Growth Active ETF	0.13%	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	2.22%	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 VDIG and VYM in my portfolio?

VDIG and VYM have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, VDIG or VYM?

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.

Which ETF is cheaper, VDIG or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.40% for VDIG.

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

VYM has the higher dividend yield at 2.22%, compared with 0.13% for VDIG.

What is the main difference between VDIG and VYM?

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.