HYGH vs VYM
iShares Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, HYGH or VYM?
High Yield Bond against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYGH | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $656M | $83.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 6.45% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 403 | 608 |
| YTD Return | +3.43% | +9.22%Best |
| 1Y Return | +4.91% | +12.81%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.72% | +18.21%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.75% | +11.39%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7%Best | 13.7% |
| Max Drawdown | -33.0%Best | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $13,862 | $17,149Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | High Yield Bond | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | May 27, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 29, 2014 to Oct 1, 2026 (12.3 years).
HYGH vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 12.3 years both funds cover.
HYGH vs VYM Performance
iShares Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond ETF (HYGH) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HYGH returned +4.91% while VYM returned +12.81%. Year to date, HYGH is up 3.43% versus a gain of 9.22% for VYM.
Over three years, HYGH compounded at +8.72% per year against +18.21% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.75% and +11.39% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +8.72% annualized vs +1.81%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.7% compared with 6.7% for HYGH. 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 -33.0% for HYGH and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYGH charges 0.52% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $4 annually, a gap of $48 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYGH currently yields 6.45% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 2 holdings in HYGH and 557 in VYM, totalling 97.8% and 99.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 2 positions we hold weights for in HYGH and 557 in VYM, against full books of 403 and 608.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HYGH and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HYGH or VYM?
HYGH has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $48 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HYGH or VYM?
Over the past year HYGH returned +4.91% vs +12.81% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), HYGH annualized +1.81% vs +8.72% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HYGH or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.7% annualized versus 6.7% for HYGH. Worst drawdown: HYGH -33.0% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both HYGH and VYM?
HYGH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYGH or VYM?
HYGH yields 6.45% while VYM yields 2.22%, so HYGH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than HYGH?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.