BTT vs VYM
BlackRock Municipal 2030 Target Term Trust 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BTT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.34% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.6B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.28% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 557 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +0.84% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.26% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.11% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.16% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 29, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BTT vs VYM Performance
BlackRock Municipal 2030 Target Term Trust (BTT) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTT returned +4.26% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, BTT is up 0.84% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, BTT compounded at +6.11% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.16% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +0.43%. 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 10.2% for BTT. 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 -35.0% for BTT 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BTT charges 1.34% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $134 vs $4 annually, a gap of $130 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTT currently yields 2.28% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BTT and VYM share 0 holdings out of 728 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, BTT or VYM?
BTT has an expense ratio of 1.34% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $130 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BTT or VYM?
Over the past year BTT returned +4.26% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), BTT annualized +0.43% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BTT or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.2% for BTT. Worst drawdown: BTT -35.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BTT and VYM?
BTT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BTT and VYM?
BTT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 728 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTT or VYM?
BTT yields 2.28% while VYM yields 2.24%, so BTT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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