DFNM vs VYM
Dimensional National Municipal Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, DFNM or VYM?
Municipal Bond against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFNM | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $2.2B | $78.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 3.08% | 2.37% |
| Holdings | 2,388 | 608 |
| YTD Return | -1.59% | +11.83%Best |
| 1Y Return | -0.64% | +15.96%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +2.84% | +18.60%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.74% | +11.51%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.2%Best | 13.9% |
| Max Drawdown | -7.0%Best | -15.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,376 | $17,241Best |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity |
| Style | Municipal Bond | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Nov 15, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 16, 2021 to Oct 14, 2026 (4.9 years).
DFNM vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 4.9 years both funds cover.
DFNM vs VYM Performance
Dimensional National Municipal Bond ETF (DFNM) is an ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFNM returned -0.64% while VYM returned +15.96%. Year to date, DFNM is down 1.59% versus a gain of 11.83% for VYM.
Over three years, DFNM compounded at +2.84% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.74% and +11.51% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.9% compared with 4.2% for DFNM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -7.0% for DFNM and -15.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.61. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFNM charges 0.17% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $4 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFNM currently yields 3.08% against 2.37% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 163 holdings in DFNM and 602 in VYM, totalling 13.6% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 163 positions we hold weights for in DFNM and 602 in VYM, against full books of 2,388 and 608.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DFNM and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFNM or VYM?
DFNM has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $13 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DFNM or VYM?
Over the past year DFNM returned -0.64% vs +15.96% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DFNM or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.9% annualized versus 4.2% for DFNM. Worst drawdown: DFNM -7.0% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both DFNM and VYM?
DFNM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFNM or VYM?
DFNM yields 3.08% while VYM yields 2.37%, so DFNM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than DFNM?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.