ETF Versus

VIG vs VYM

Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares

Last updated: 2026-04-02

VIG Vanguard

Vanguard Dividend Appreciation Index Fund ETF Shares (VIG) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to U.S. dividend-paying stocks selected for yield or dividend growth. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.04%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 1.60%. Launched in 2006, the fund has a 20-year track record.

AUM: $97.2B ER: 0.04% Yield: 1.60% Since: Apr 21, 2006
VYM Vanguard

Vanguard High Dividend Yield Index Fund ETF Shares (VYM) is an exchange-traded fund issued by Vanguard that provides exposure to U.S. dividend-paying stocks selected for yield or dividend growth. It charges a very low expense ratio of 0.04%. The fund offers a moderate dividend yield of 2.37%. Launched in 2006, the fund has a 20-year track record.

AUM: $71.3B ER: 0.04% Yield: 2.37% Since: Nov 10, 2006

Quick Verdict

VYM has edged ahead over the past year (15.0% vs 11.4%). Income investors may prefer VYM for its higher yield (2.4% vs 1.6%).

Key Metrics

Metric VIG VYM
Expense Ratio 0.04% 0.04%
Dividend Yield 1.6% 2.4%
Fund Family Vanguard Vanguard
Category US Dividend US Dividend

Performance Chart

Indexed to 100 at start (5-year comparison)

90 103 116 129 142 155 2021-04 2022-06 2023-09 2024-12 2026-04
VIG +43.7%
VYM +44.6%

Performance Comparison

Period VIG VYM Difference
1 Month -5.05% -4.59% -0.46%
3 Months -2.23% +2.20% -4.43%
6 Months -0.97% +4.52% -5.49%
YTD -2.23% +2.20% -4.43%
1 Year +11.38% +14.98% -3.60%
3 Years +39.10% +39.18% -0.08%
5 Years +43.71% +44.55% -0.84%

Fee Impact Over Time

Estimated fee cost difference assuming 8% annual returns

Investment Period VIG Fees VYM Fees You Save
$10.000 10 years $80 $80 $0
$10.000 20 years $344 $344 $0
$10.000 30 years $1.112 $1.112 $0
$50.000 10 years $399 $399 $0
$50.000 30 years $5.560 $5.560 $0
$100.000 30 years $11.121 $11.121 $0

Risk Metrics

Based on 5 years of daily returns

Metric VIG VYM
Annualized Volatility 14.3% 14.0%
Max Drawdown -21.5% -17.5%
Sharpe Ratio 0.27 0.28

Dividend Comparison

Metric VIG VYM
Annual Dividend (per share) $3.45 $3.51
Dividend Yield 1.60% 2.37%
Distribution Frequency Quarterly Quarterly

Top Holdings

5 of top 10 holdings overlap (50% overlap in top holdings)

VIG Top Holdings

NameWeight
Broadcom Inc.AVGO5.92%
Apple Inc.AAPL3.89%
Eli Lilly and CompanyLLY3.70%
Microsoft CorporationMSFT3.45%
JPMorgan Chase & Co.JPM3.42%
Exxon Mobil CorporationXOM2.87%
Johnson & JohnsonJNJ2.65%
Walmart Inc.WMT2.48%
Visa Inc.V2.23%
Costco Wholesale CorporationCOST1.98%

VYM Top Holdings

NameWeight
Broadcom Inc.AVGO6.48%
JPMorgan Chase & Co.JPM3.36%
Exxon Mobil CorporationXOM2.83%
Johnson & JohnsonJNJ2.63%
Walmart Inc.WMT2.44%
AbbVie Inc.ABBV1.81%
The Procter & Gamble CompanyPG1.72%
The Home Depot, Inc.HD1.66%
Chevron CorporationCVX1.54%
Caterpillar Inc.CAT1.51%

Which One Should You Choose?

Choose VYM if...

recent performance momentum matters to your strategy. Note that past performance doesn't guarantee future results.

Choose VYM if...

you prioritize dividend income and want higher regular distributions from your portfolio.

Either works if...

you just need broad us dividend exposure. Both are solid options — pick whichever your brokerage offers commission-free.

Related Comparisons