BHV vs VYM
BlackRock Virginia Municipal Bond Trust vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BHV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BHV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 2.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $18M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.11% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +23.86% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.83% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.50% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.73% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -57.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 30, 2002 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BHV vs VYM Performance
BlackRock Virginia Municipal Bond Trust (BHV) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BHV returned +31.83% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, BHV is up 23.86% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, BHV compounded at +12.50% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -3.73% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +0.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BHV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -57.4% for BHV 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 0.20. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BHV charges 2.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $260 vs $4 annually, a gap of $256 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BHV currently yields 5.11% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BHV and VYM share 0 holdings out of 621 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, BHV or VYM?
BHV has an expense ratio of 2.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $256 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BHV or VYM?
Over the past year BHV returned +31.83% vs +23.48% for VYM, so BHV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), BHV annualized +0.23% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BHV or VYM?
BHV has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BHV -57.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BHV and VYM?
BHV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BHV and VYM?
BHV and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 621 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BHV or VYM?
BHV yields 5.11% while VYM yields 2.24%, so BHV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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