BRLN vs VYM
iShares Floating Rate Loan Active 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 | BRLN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $54M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.36% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 421 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -2.13% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.50% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.13% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BRLN vs VYM Performance
iShares Floating Rate Loan Active ETF (BRLN) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BRLN returned -0.50% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BRLN is down 2.13% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, BRLN compounded at +5.13% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +6.42%. 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 2.8% for BRLN. 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 -3.9% for BRLN 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BRLN 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, BRLN currently yields 6.36% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BRLN and VYM share 0 holdings out of 708 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, BRLN or VYM?
BRLN 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, BRLN or VYM?
Over the past year BRLN returned -0.50% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BRLN annualized +6.42% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BRLN or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.8% for BRLN. Worst drawdown: BRLN -3.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BRLN and VYM?
BRLN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BRLN and VYM?
BRLN and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 708 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BRLN or VYM?
BRLN yields 6.36% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BRLN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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