CRBN vs VYM
iShares Low Carbon Optimized MSCI ACWI ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. CRBN offers more diversification with 976 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CRBN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.02% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,123 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +13.38% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.62% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.95% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.11% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3659.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CRBN vs VYM Performance
iShares Low Carbon Optimized MSCI ACWI ETF (CRBN) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CRBN returned +21.62% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, CRBN is up 13.38% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, CRBN compounded at +20.95% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.11% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, CRBN has the edge at +58.21% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CRBN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 3659.8% 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 -33.1% for CRBN 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 -0.05. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CRBN 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, CRBN currently yields 2.02% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CRBN and VYM share 125 holdings out of 1409 unique holdings combined, representing a 19.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, CRBN or VYM?
CRBN 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, CRBN or VYM?
Over the past year CRBN returned +21.62% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), CRBN annualized +58.21% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CRBN or VYM?
CRBN has been the more volatile fund at 3659.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CRBN -33.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CRBN and VYM?
CRBN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.05, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CRBN and VYM?
CRBN and VYM share 125 common holdings with a 19.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1409 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CRBN or VYM?
CRBN yields 2.02% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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