Is Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) a Strong ETF Right Now?

Core Insights - The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a smart beta ETF launched on November 10, 2006, providing broad exposure to the Large Cap Value category [1] - VYM aims to match the performance of the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index, which includes companies that generally pay higher-than-average dividends [5] Fund Overview - Managed by Vanguard, VYM has accumulated over $65.31 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in its category [5] - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.06%, positioning it as one of the least expensive options in the market [6] - VYM's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 2.52% [6] Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation in the Financials sector, comprising approximately 21.4% of the portfolio, followed by Information Technology and Healthcare [7] - Broadcom Inc (AVGO) is the largest holding at about 7.31% of total assets, followed by Jpmorgan Chase & Co (JPM) and Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) [8] Performance Metrics - As of November 4, 2025, VYM has increased by approximately 11.52% year-to-date and 12.32% over the past year [9] - The ETF has traded between $114.78 and $142.41 in the past 52 weeks [9] - VYM has a beta of 0.79 and a standard deviation of 13.06% over the trailing three-year period, indicating medium risk [10] Alternatives - Other ETFs in the same space include Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), with SCHD having $68.44 billion in assets and VTV at $147.86 billion [12] - Both SCHD and VTV have competitive expense ratios of 0.06% and 0.04%, respectively [12]