HIMU vs VYM
iShares High Yield 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 | HIMU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.42% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.08% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 909 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.25% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.69% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 7, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HIMU vs VYM Performance
iShares High Yield Muni Active ETF (HIMU) 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 HIMU returned +3.69% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, HIMU is down 0.25% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 5.9% for HIMU. 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 -8.0% for HIMU 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HIMU charges 0.42% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $42 vs $4 annually, a gap of $38 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HIMU currently yields 5.08% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HIMU and VYM share 0 holdings out of 774 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, HIMU or VYM?
HIMU has an expense ratio of 0.42% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $38 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HIMU or VYM?
Over the past year HIMU returned +3.69% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HIMU annualized +0.33% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HIMU or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.9% for HIMU. Worst drawdown: HIMU -8.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HIMU and VYM?
HIMU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HIMU and VYM?
HIMU and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 774 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HIMU or VYM?
HIMU yields 5.08% while VYM yields 2.86%, so HIMU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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