CALI vs VYM
iShares Short-Term California Muni 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 | CALI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $443M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 194 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.99% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.08% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.72% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CALI vs VYM Performance
iShares Short-Term California Muni Active ETF (CALI) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CALI returned +2.08% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, CALI is up 0.99% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, CALI compounded at +3.72% per year against +18.29% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +3.72%. 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 1.1% for CALI. 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 -0.8% for CALI 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CALI charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CALI currently yields 2.52% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CALI and VYM share 0 holdings out of 589 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, CALI or VYM?
CALI has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CALI or VYM?
Over the past year CALI returned +2.08% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), CALI annualized +3.72% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CALI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.1% for CALI. Worst drawdown: CALI -0.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CALI and VYM?
CALI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CALI and VYM?
CALI and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 589 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CALI or VYM?
CALI yields 2.52% 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.