Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF rated 'hold' due to moderate yield and lagging returns versus peers.

The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) remains a 'hold' recommendation because it offers a consistent but average performance with a moderate dividend yield of 2.42%. While VYM provides strong sector and company diversification and a long dividend growth streak appealing to conservative investors, its 10-year total return trails key competitors FDVV, DGRO, and SCHD by 32-55%. An equal-weighted mix of these competitors can deliver higher dividend yields closer to 3%, better returns, and similar diversification, growth, and quality. Investors seeking higher income and growth may consider diversifying beyond VYM to these alternatives.

As of Oct 04, 2026 18:22 WIB, VYM trades at USD 156.46, closer to its 52-week high of USD 167.03 than its low of USD 137.47, showing moderate strength with a 1-day gain of 0.71%. In contrast, SCHD is priced at USD 32.72, nearer to its 52-week low of USD 26.44 than its high of USD 35.21, with a smaller 1-day increase of 0.18%. VYM's larger market cap of $100.80B compared to SCHD's $108.67B and longer typical hold time on Pluang (137 days vs. 61 days) reflect its appeal for longer-term, stable dividend investors.