ACWV vs VYM
iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ACWV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.4B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.90% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 437 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +7.36% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +7.87% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.79% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.53% | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ACWV vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Global Min Vol Factor ETF (ACWV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ACWV returned +7.87% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, ACWV is up 7.36% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Over three years, ACWV compounded at +11.79% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.53% and +11.98% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, ACWV has the edge at +8.52% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 9.9% for ACWV. 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 -28.8% for ACWV and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ACWV charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ACWV currently yields 1.90% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ACWV and VYM share 74 holdings out of 910 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ACWV or VYM?
ACWV has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ACWV or VYM?
Over the past year ACWV returned +7.87% vs +21.39% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), ACWV annualized +8.52% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ACWV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 9.9% for ACWV. Worst drawdown: ACWV -28.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ACWV and VYM?
ACWV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ACWV and VYM?
ACWV and VYM share 74 common holdings with a 21.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 910 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ACWV or VYM?
ACWV yields 1.90% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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