VIG vs. HIGH

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) and HIGH (Simplify Enhanced Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VIG is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index, while HIGH is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Simplify. VIG is passively managed, while HIGH is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, VIG returned 15.85%/yr vs 2.72%/yr for HIGH. At a 0.40 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VIG charges 0.04%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for HIGH.

Performance

VIG vs. HIGH - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and Simplify Enhanced Income ETF (HIGH). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VIG achieves a 6.98% return, which is significantly higher than HIGH's -0.79% return.

VIG

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 6.98%
• 6M: 6.28%
• 1Y: 18.42%
• 3Y*: 15.85%
• 5Y*: 10.82%
• 10Y*: 13.34%

HIGH

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: 0.09%
• YTD: -0.79%
• 6M: -1.67%
• 1Y: -1.43%
• 3Y*: 2.72%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VIG vs. HIGH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	6.98%	14.17%	16.99%	14.51%	4.63%
HIGH Simplify Enhanced Income ETF	-0.79%	4.35%	1.52%	7.70%	0.47%

Correlation

The correlation between VIG and HIGH is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.65
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 28, 2022	0.40

Over the past year, VIG and HIGH have become more correlated (0.65) than their long-term average of 0.40, meaning their price movements have been converging.

Return for Risk

VIG vs. HIGH — Risk / Return Rank

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

VIG

VIG Risk / Return Rank: 54
VIG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VIG Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
VIG Omega Ratio Rank: 54
VIG Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
VIG Martin Ratio Rank: 56

HIGH

HIGH Risk / Return Rank: 7
HIGH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
HIGH Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
HIGH Omega Ratio Rank: 6
HIGH Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
HIGH Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

VIG vs. HIGH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) and Simplify Enhanced Income ETF (HIGH). 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.

	VIG	HIGH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.83	-0.16	+2.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	-0.17	+2.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	0.98	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.34	-0.15	+2.49
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.44	-0.21	+9.65

VIG vs. HIGH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VIG Sharpe Ratio is 1.83, which is higher than the HIGH Sharpe Ratio of -0.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VIG and HIGH, 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

VIG vs. HIGH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VIG drawdown since its inception was -46.81%, which is greater than HIGH's maximum drawdown of -9.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VIG and HIGH.

Drawdown Indicators

	VIG	HIGH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.81%	-9.50%	-37.31%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.91%	-9.50%	+1.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.95%	-9.50%	-5.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-20.39%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-31.72%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.13%	-7.50%	+6.37%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.50%	-2.44%	-3.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.96%	6.73%	-4.77%

Volatility

VIG vs. HIGH - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG) has a higher volatility of 2.89% compared to Simplify Enhanced Income ETF (HIGH) at 1.91%. This indicates that VIG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HIGH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VIG	HIGH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.89%	1.91%	+0.98%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.70%	3.81%	+3.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.14%	8.79%	+1.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.23%	9.53%	+4.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.04%	9.53%	+6.51%

VIG vs. HIGH - Expense Ratio Comparison

VIG has a 0.04% expense ratio, which is lower than HIGH's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

VIG vs. HIGH - Dividend Comparison

VIG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.47%, less than HIGH's 7.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HIGH Simplify Enhanced Income ETF	7.36%	7.71%	8.34%	9.40%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VIG Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF	1.47%	1.62%	1.73%	1.88%	1.96%	1.55%	1.63%	1.71%	2.08%	1.88%	2.14%	2.34%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VIG and HIGH in my portfolio?

VIG and HIGH have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VIG or HIGH?

VIG has higher volatility (2.89%) compared to HIGH (1.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VIG dropped -46.81% vs HIGH's -9.50%.

Which ETF is better, VIG or HIGH?

On 3-year performance, VIG leads with 15.85% vs 2.72% for HIGH. On fees, VIG is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, HIGH has been the lower-risk option at 1.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VIG or HIGH?

Over the 3-year period, VIG has performed better with a 15.85% return vs 2.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VIG or HIGH?

VIG is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for HIGH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, VIG or HIGH?

HIGH has the higher dividend yield at 7.36%, compared with 1.47% for VIG.

What is the main difference between VIG and HIGH?

VIG is categorized as Dividend, while HIGH is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.04% for VIG and 0.51% for HIGH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VIG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.83 vs -0.16), 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.