VTWG vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VTWG (Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VTWG is a Small Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 Growth Index, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VTWG returned 11.48%/yr vs 11.94%/yr for VYM. A 0.73 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VTWG charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

VTWG vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG) 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, VTWG achieves a 18.49% return, which is significantly higher than VYM's 12.96% return. Both investments have delivered pretty close results over the past 10 years, with VTWG having a 11.48% annualized return and VYM not far ahead at 11.94%.

VTWG

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: 5.47%
• YTD: 18.49%
• 6M: 19.07%
• 1Y: 41.60%
• 3Y*: 18.77%
• 5Y*: 6.15%
• 10Y*: 11.48%

VYM

• 1D: 1.24%
• 1M: 2.98%
• YTD: 12.96%
• 6M: 13.69%
• 1Y: 27.70%
• 3Y*: 19.05%
• 5Y*: 11.67%
• 10Y*: 11.94%

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

VTWG vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VTWG Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF	18.49%	13.07%	15.15%	18.90%	-26.49%	2.84%	34.72%	28.75%	-9.45%	22.27%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	12.96%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between VTWG and VYM is 0.72, 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	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.74
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2010	0.73

The correlation between VTWG and VYM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.71 to 0.74 - a consistent structural relationship.

VTWG vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VTWG	VYM
Technology	23.5%	17.7%
Industrials	23.1%	12.1%
Healthcare	22.4%	12.2%
Financial Services	8.2%	20.5%
Consumer Cyclical	7.7%	6.7%
Basic Materials	4.2%	3.5%
Energy	3.5%	9.8%
Consumer Defensive	2.6%	8.1%
Communication Services	2.2%	3.5%
Real Estate	2.1%	0.0%
Utilities	0.7%	5.7%

Return for Risk

VTWG vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VTWG

VTWG Risk / Return Rank: 55
VTWG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
VTWG Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
VTWG Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VTWG Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
VTWG Martin Ratio Rank: 58

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 82
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 85
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 81
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 79

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.

VTWG vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG) 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.

	VTWG	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.95	2.71	-0.76
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.66	3.84	-1.18
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.49	-0.17
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.86	4.20	-1.33
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.35	15.80	-5.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VTWG vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VTWG Sharpe Ratio is 1.95, which is comparable to the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.71. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VTWG 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

	VTWG	VYM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.95	2.71	-0.76
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.25	0.84	-0.59
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.48	0.73	-0.26
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.52	0.51	+0.01

Drawdowns

VTWG vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VTWG drawdown since its inception was -42.07%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VTWG and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VTWG	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.07%	-56.98%	+14.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.88%	-6.69%	-8.19%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-28.58%	-14.46%	-14.12%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-40.49%	-15.84%	-24.65%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.07%	-35.21%	-6.86%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.05%	0.00%	-0.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.53%	-7.20%	-3.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.12%	1.78%	+2.34%

Volatility

VTWG vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF (VTWG) has a higher volatility of 6.45% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 2.88%. This indicates that VTWG'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

	VTWG	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.45%	2.88%	+3.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	15.95%	7.73%	+8.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.46%	10.27%	+11.19%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.51%	13.96%	+10.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.21%	16.34%	+7.87%

VTWG vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

VTWG has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VTWG vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

VTWG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.58%, less than VYM's 2.18% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VTWG Vanguard Russell 2000 Growth ETF	0.58%	0.64%	0.55%	0.79%	0.71%	0.54%	0.48%	0.72%	0.72%	0.64%	0.96%	0.72%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.18%	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 VTWG and VYM in my portfolio?

VTWG and VYM have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VTWG or VYM?

VTWG has higher volatility (6.45%) compared to VYM (2.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VTWG dropped -42.07% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, VTWG or VYM?

On 10-year performance, VYM leads with 11.94% vs 11.48% for VTWG. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VYM has been the lower-risk option at 2.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VTWG or VYM?

Over the 10-year period, VYM has performed better with a 11.94% return vs 11.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VTWG or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for VTWG.

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

VYM has the higher dividend yield at 2.18%, compared with 0.58% for VTWG.

What is the main difference between VTWG and VYM?

VTWG is categorized as Small Cap Growth Equities, while VYM is Dividend. VTWG tracks Russell 2000 Growth Index, while VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for VTWG and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.71 vs 1.95), 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.