BMED vs VYM
iShares Health Innovation Active ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BMED delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BMED | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $11M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.27% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 56 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +6.89% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.80% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.58% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.00% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 29, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BMED vs VYM Performance
iShares Health Innovation Active ETF (BMED) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BMED returned +26.80% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, BMED is up 6.89% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, BMED compounded at +10.58% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.00% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +4.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BMED has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -36.4% for BMED 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BMED charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BMED currently yields 0.27% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BMED and VYM share 7 holdings out of 601 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BMED or VYM?
BMED has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BMED or VYM?
Over the past year BMED returned +26.80% vs +24.43% for VYM, so BMED leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), BMED annualized +4.18% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BMED or VYM?
BMED has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BMED -36.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BMED and VYM?
BMED and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BMED and VYM?
BMED and VYM share 7 common holdings with a 6.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 601 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BMED or VYM?
BMED yields 0.27% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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