DVY vs VYM: ETF Comparison
Compare DVY (iShares Select Dividend ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) side by side by average annual total return since inception — one fair number covering price and dividends.
Updated Aug 4, 2026
*For entertainment purposes ONLY! NOT financial advice! Data may be inaccurate.*
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DVY vs VYM: The Verdict
On average annual total return since inception, VYM is virtually tied with DVY — +9.4% vs +9.1%. With a gap this small, the deciding factors are more likely to be yield, payout schedule, and how each strategy fits your goals than raw performance.
Keep the track records in mind: DVY has been trading for 22.8 years, while VYM has only 19.7 years of history. A shorter track record means the younger fund's average has been shaped by fewer market environments — one strong or weak stretch moves the needle more.
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DVY vs VYM Side-by-Side Data
| Symbol | Name | Provider | Inception | Age | Total Return | Avg. Annual Return | Yield | Expense Ratio | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DVY | iShares Select Dividend ETF | iShares | 11/3/2003 | 22.8y | +618.0% | +9.1% | 3.3% | 0.38% | B |
| VYM | Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF | Vanguard | 11/10/2006 | 19.7y | +487.0% | +9.4% | 2.5% | 0.04% | A |
DVY vs VYM — Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, DVY or VYM?
By average annual total return since inception, VYM is virtually tied with DVY (+9.4% vs +9.1% per year). "Better" depends on your goals — yield, payout frequency, and strategy differ between the two funds.
What is the difference between DVY and VYM?
DVY (iShares Select Dividend ETF) is offered by iShares and currently yields 3.3%. VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) is offered by Vanguard and yields 2.5%. Their average annual total returns since inception are +9.1% and +9.4% respectively.
Does VYM pay a higher dividend than DVY?
VYM currently yields 2.5% and DVY yields 3.3%. Remember that yield alone doesn't capture performance — total return (price + dividends) is the fairer comparison.