VV vs. VYM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VV (Vanguard Large-Cap ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the CRSP US Large Cap Index, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, VV returned 15.17%/yr vs 11.50%/yr for VYM. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.04% expense ratio.

Performance

VV vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Large-Cap ETF (VV) 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, VV achieves a 10.23% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 13.44% return. Over the past 10 years, VV has outperformed VYM with an annualized return of 15.17%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively lower 11.50% annualized return.

VV

• 1D: -0.77%
• 1M: 1.34%
• 6M: 8.23%
• YTD: 10.23%
• 1Y: 21.28%
• 3Y*: 20.34%
• 5Y*: 12.62%
• 10Y*: 15.17%

VYM

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: 0.95%
• 6M: 10.27%
• YTD: 13.44%
• 1Y: 22.21%
• 3Y*: 17.93%
• 5Y*: 12.15%
• 10Y*: 11.50%

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

VV vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VV Vanguard Large-Cap ETF	10.23%	18.11%	25.25%	27.18%	-19.91%	27.41%	21.04%	31.25%	-4.46%	22.00%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	13.44%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between VV and VYM is 0.66, 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	0.66
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.71
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 16, 2006	0.88

Over the past year, the correlation between VV and VYM has dropped to 0.66 - well below their long-term average of 0.88, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

VV vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VV	VYM
Technology	39.5%	20.3%
Financial Services	11.0%	19.9%
Communication Services	10.8%	3.4%
Consumer Cyclical	9.7%	6.6%
Healthcare	8.4%	12.2%
Industrials	7.9%	11.8%
Consumer Defensive	4.4%	8.0%
Energy	3.2%	9.1%
Utilities	2.0%	5.4%
Real Estate	1.6%	0.0%
Basic Materials	1.5%	3.4%

Return for Risk

VV vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

VV

VV Risk / Return Rank: 64
VV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
VV Sortino Ratio Rank: 63
VV Omega Ratio Rank: 63
VV Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
VV Martin Ratio Rank: 69

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 83
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 84
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 81

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.

VV vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Large-Cap ETF (VV) 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.

	VV	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	2.17	-0.49
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.33	3.13	-0.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.30	1.40	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.32	3.33	-1.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.00	12.38	-2.38

VV vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VV Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VV 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.

Drawdowns

VV vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VV drawdown since its inception was -54.81%, roughly equal to the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VV and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	VV	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.81%	-56.98%	+2.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.21%	-6.69%	-2.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.97%	-14.46%	-4.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.66%	-15.84%	-9.82%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.28%	-35.21%	+0.93%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.13%	-0.12%	-1.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.81%	-7.16%	+0.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.13%	1.80%	+0.33%

Volatility

VV vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Large-Cap ETF (VV) has a higher volatility of 4.14% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 2.18%. This indicates that VV'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

	VV	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.14%	2.18%	+1.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.04%	7.46%	+2.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.71%	10.28%	+2.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.34%	13.90%	+3.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.19%	16.29%	+1.90%

VV vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both VV and VYM have an expense ratio of 0.04%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VV vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

VV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.02%, less than VYM's 2.26% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VV Vanguard Large-Cap ETF	1.02%	1.08%	1.24%	1.41%	1.66%	1.19%	1.46%	1.81%	2.09%	1.75%	1.98%	1.96%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.26%	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 VV and VYM in my portfolio?

VV and VYM have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VV or VYM?

VV has higher volatility (4.14%) compared to VYM (2.18%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VV dropped -54.81% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, VV or VYM?

On 10-year performance, VV leads with 15.17% vs 11.50% for VYM. Both ETFs have the same 0.04% expense ratio. On volatility, VYM has been the lower-risk option at 2.18%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VV or VYM?

Over the 10-year period, VV has performed better with a 15.17% return vs 11.50%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VV or VYM?

VV and VYM have the same expense ratio: 0.04% per year.

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

VYM has the higher dividend yield at 2.26%, compared with 1.02% for VV.

What is the main difference between VV and VYM?

VV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VYM is Dividend. VV tracks CRSP US Large Cap Index, while VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.17 vs 1.69), 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.