BLES vs VYM
Inspire Global Hope 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BLES | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $159M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.84% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 817 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.06% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.14% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.20% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Inspire ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BLES vs VYM Performance
Inspire Global Hope ETF (BLES) is a ETF from Inspire ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BLES returned +24.06% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, BLES is up 15.34% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, BLES compounded at +16.14% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.20% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, BLES has the edge at +9.51% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BLES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.5% 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 -40.4% for BLES 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BLES charges 0.58% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $4 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BLES currently yields 1.84% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BLES and VYM share 65 holdings out of 892 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BLES or VYM?
BLES has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BLES or VYM?
Over the past year BLES returned +24.06% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), BLES annualized +9.51% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BLES or VYM?
BLES has been the more volatile fund at 17.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BLES -40.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BLES and VYM?
BLES and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BLES and VYM?
BLES and VYM share 65 common holdings with a 8.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 892 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BLES or VYM?
BLES yields 1.84% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.