WDIV vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

WDIV (SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - WDIV is a Global Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Dividend Aristocrats Index sp_43, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, WDIV returned 7.80%/yr vs 12.00%/yr for VYM. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WDIV charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

WDIV vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF (WDIV) 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, WDIV achieves a 7.84% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 11.70% return. Over the past 10 years, WDIV has underperformed VYM with an annualized return of 7.80%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively higher 12.00% annualized return.

WDIV

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: -0.74%
• YTD: 7.84%
• 6M: 8.44%
• 1Y: 20.83%
• 3Y*: 17.66%
• 5Y*: 7.94%
• 10Y*: 7.80%

VYM

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: 0.42%
• YTD: 11.70%
• 6M: 11.13%
• 1Y: 25.24%
• 3Y*: 18.48%
• 5Y*: 12.10%
• 10Y*: 12.00%

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

WDIV vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
WDIV SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF	7.84%	27.16%	7.61%	8.21%	-6.92%	14.44%	-10.18%	20.12%	-8.81%	19.03%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	11.70%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between WDIV and VYM is 0.73, 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	0.73
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.73
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.78
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 30, 2013	0.78

The correlation between WDIV and VYM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.73 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

WDIV vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	WDIV	VYM
Financial Services	19.1%	19.9%
Real Estate	8.2%	0.0%
Utilities	7.5%	5.4%
Energy	7.4%	9.1%
Industrials	6.0%	11.8%
Communication Services	5.1%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	4.6%	8.0%
Basic Materials	4.5%	3.4%
Consumer Cyclical	3.9%	6.6%
Technology	2.4%	20.3%
Healthcare	2.2%	12.2%

Return for Risk

WDIV vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

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

WDIV

WDIV Risk / Return Rank: 59
WDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
WDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 66
WDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 62
WDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
WDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 53

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 78
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 78
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
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.

WDIV vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF (WDIV) 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.

	WDIV	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	2.44	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.93	3.48	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.44	-0.08
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	3.79	-1.36
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.93	14.09	-5.16

WDIV vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current WDIV Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is comparable to the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of WDIV 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

WDIV vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDIV drawdown since its inception was -42.34%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDIV and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDIV	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.34%	-56.98%	+14.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.61%	-6.69%	-1.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.26%	-14.46%	+3.20%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.12%	-15.84%	-6.28%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.34%	-35.21%	-7.13%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.99%	-1.12%	-0.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.83%	-7.18%	+1.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.34%	1.80%	+0.54%

Volatility

WDIV vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF (WDIV) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) have volatilities of 3.07% and 3.02%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	WDIV	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.07%	3.02%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.32%	7.64%	+0.68%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.31%	10.41%	-0.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.77%	13.93%	-1.16%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.36%	16.35%	-0.99%

WDIV vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

WDIV has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

WDIV vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

WDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.94%, more than VYM's 2.29% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.29%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%
WDIV SPDR S&P Global Dividend ETF	5.94%	4.27%	4.63%	4.73%	5.12%	4.15%	5.55%	3.99%	4.42%	3.62%	4.32%	5.03%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WDIV and VYM in my portfolio?

WDIV and VYM have a correlation of 0.73, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, WDIV or VYM?

WDIV has higher volatility (3.07%) compared to VYM (3.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, WDIV dropped -42.34% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, WDIV or VYM?

On 10-year performance, VYM leads with 12.00% vs 7.80% for WDIV. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, WDIV or VYM?

Over the 10-year period, VYM has performed better with a 12.00% return vs 7.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, WDIV or VYM?

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

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

WDIV has the higher dividend yield at 5.94%, compared with 2.29% for VYM.

What is the main difference between WDIV and VYM?

WDIV is categorized as Global Equities, while VYM is Dividend. WDIV tracks S&P Global Dividend Aristocrats Index sp_43, while VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for WDIV and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 2.03), 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.