BAB vs VYM
Invesco Taxable Municipal Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. BAB offers more diversification with 995 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BAB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.28% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.10% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,480 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.31% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.15% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.53% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.03% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 17, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BAB vs VYM Performance
Invesco Taxable Municipal Bond ETF (BAB) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BAB returned +3.15% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BAB is down 0.31% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, BAB compounded at +4.53% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.03% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +1.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 7.3% for BAB. 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 -27.8% for BAB 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 0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BAB charges 0.28% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $28 vs $4 annually, a gap of $24 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BAB currently yields 4.10% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BAB and VYM share 0 holdings out of 1553 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BAB or VYM?
BAB has an expense ratio of 0.28% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $24 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BAB or VYM?
Over the past year BAB returned +3.15% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), BAB annualized +1.53% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BAB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.3% for BAB. Worst drawdown: BAB -27.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BAB and VYM?
BAB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BAB and VYM?
BAB and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1553 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BAB or VYM?
BAB yields 4.10% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BAB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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