BMEZ vs VYM
BMEZ vs VYM
BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BMEZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BMEZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 8.61% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 171 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.98% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.15% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.28% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.09% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 29, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BMEZ vs VYM Performance
BlackRock Health Sciences Term Trust (BMEZ) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BMEZ returned +28.15% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BMEZ is up 11.98% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, BMEZ compounded at +11.28% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -2.09% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +5.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BMEZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -46.0% for BMEZ 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
BMEZ charges 1.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $4 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BMEZ currently yields 8.61% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BMEZ and VYM share 10 holdings out of 688 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BMEZ | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| JNJ | 2.82% | 2.62% | 0.20% |
| MRK | 2.61% | 1.37% | 1.24% |
| GILD | 2.47% | 0.81% | 1.66% |
| MDT:IE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BMY | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PFE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABMD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings BMEZ shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BMEZ or VYM?
BMEZ has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BMEZ or VYM?
Over the past year BMEZ returned +28.15% vs +26.12% for VYM, so BMEZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BMEZ annualized +5.08% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BMEZ or VYM?
BMEZ has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BMEZ -46.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BMEZ and VYM?
BMEZ 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 BMEZ and VYM?
BMEZ and VYM share 10 common holdings with a 9.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 688 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BMEZ or VYM?
BMEZ yields 8.61% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BMEZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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