A side-by-side comparison of Vanguard FTSE Canadian High Dividend Yield (VDY) and ZD (ZD) to help Canadian investors make an informed decision.
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Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | VDY | ZD |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | +24.82% | — |
| 1-Day Change | -1.33% | — |
| 1-Week Change | -0.17% | — |
| 1-Month Change | +2.93% | — |
| Current Price | $77.74 | — |
| AUM | $9.09B | — |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | 0% | — |
| Dividend Yield | 3.04% | — |
| Distribution Frequency | Monthly | — |
| Inception Date | 2012-11-02 | — |
| Holdings Count | 10 | — |
| MorningStar Rating | ★★★★★ | — |
| Category | Canadian Dividend and Income Equity | — |
| Beta | 0.84 | — |
| 52-Week High | $79.29 | — |
| 52-Week Low | $51.14 | — |
| 50-Day MA | $74.80 | — |
| 200-Day MA | $66.48 | — |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Annualised Returns
| Period | VDY | ZD |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | +24.82% | — |
| 1 Year | +54.80% | — |
| 3 Year | +29.68% | — |
| 5 Year | +19.68% | — |
| 10 Year | +14.94% | — |
| 1Y Volatility | 7.54% | — |
| Sharpe Ratio (3Y) | 2.16 | — |
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Sector Weights
| Sector | VDY | ZD |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 1.82% | — |
| Communication Services | 2.55% | — |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 2.79% | — |
| Consumer Defensive | 0.35% | — |
| Energy | 27.28% | — |
| Financial Services | 60.68% | — |
| Healthcare | 0.09% | — |
| Industrials | 0.20% | — |
| Real Estate | 0.00% | — |
| Technology | 0.36% | — |
| Utilities | 3.86% | — |
About VDY
Vanguard FTSE Canadian High Dividend Yield Index ETF seeks to track, to the extent reasonably possible and before fees and expenses, the performance of a broad Canadian equity index that measures the investment return of common stocks of Canadian companies that are characterized by high dividend yield. Currently, this Vanguard ETF seeks to track the FTSE Canada High Dividend Yield Index (or any successor thereto). It invests primarily in common stocks of Canadian companies that pay dividends.
About ZD
ZD (ZD.TO) is a Canadian-listed ETF traded on the TO. More detailed information will be available soon.
Which ETF is Right for You?
Both VDY and ZD are listed on Canadian exchanges and accessible through most Canadian brokerages including Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, TD Direct, and Interactive Brokers.
VDY and ZD are closely matched on the metrics we track. The right choice depends on your individual investment goals, tax situation, and time horizon.
- Consider your account type (TFSA, RRSP, non-registered) as it can affect dividend taxation.
- Compare management expense ratios (MER) directly on each provider's website.
- Look at average daily trading volume to assess liquidity.
- Review the fund's underlying index and holdings to ensure the exposure matches your goals.
This is not financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between VDY and ZD?
VDY (Vanguard FTSE Canadian High Dividend Yield) and ZD (ZD) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($9.09B vs —), dividend yield (3.04% vs N/A), and year-to-date performance (+24.82% vs —).
Is VDY better than ZD?
There is no single "better" ETF — it depends on your investment goals. If you prioritise dividends, compare both yields and choose based on your income needs. Always review the fund's prospectus and consider your tax situation.
Can I buy VDY and ZD on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both VDY and ZD should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
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