ETEC vs VYM
iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ETEC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ETEC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.43% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.72% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.81% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.10% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 28, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ETEC vs VYM Performance
iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF (ETEC) 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 ETEC returned +28.81% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, ETEC is up 8.72% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, ETEC compounded at +5.10% per year against +18.29% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +3.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ETEC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.4% 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 -39.7% for ETEC 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ETEC charges 0.47% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $4 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETEC currently yields 0.43% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ETEC and VYM share 1 holdings out of 605 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ETEC | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BWA | 5.21% | 0.05% | 5.16% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ETEC or VYM?
ETEC has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ETEC or VYM?
Over the past year ETEC returned +28.81% vs +25.99% for VYM, so ETEC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ETEC annualized +3.06% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ETEC or VYM?
ETEC has been the more volatile fund at 24.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ETEC -39.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ETEC and VYM?
ETEC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ETEC and VYM?
ETEC and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ETEC or VYM?
ETEC yields 0.43% 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.