Head-to-head over the 11-year window both funds have in common (2015-10-26 → 2026-10-23): VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) vs VIG (Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF) — total return with dividends reinvested, both starting at $10,000 on the same date.
On risk-adjusted return, VIG came out ahead of VYM —
but the gap is only half the story. Drawdown and yield often matter more.
VYM vs VIG — the numbers
| Metric | VYM | VIG |
|---|---|---|
| CAGR | 11.6% | 12.9% |
| Volatility | 16.0% | 15.7% |
| Sharpe | 0.76 | 0.85 |
| Sortino | 0.94 | 1.05 |
| Max drawdown | -35.2% | -31.7% |
| Dividend yield | 2.28% | 1.50% |
| $10k → today | $33,256 | $37,955 |
Compared over the exact period both funds existed, so the window is shorter than 10 years when one fund is newer. Past performance doesn't predict the future — try your own dates in the tool.