HYGW vs VTI
iShares High Yield Corporate Bond BuyWrite Strategy ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYGW | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $112M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.71% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -3.18% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.79% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.41% | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -5.5% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 18, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
HYGW vs VTI Performance
iShares High Yield Corporate Bond BuyWrite Strategy ETF (HYGW) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HYGW returned -0.79% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, HYGW is down 3.18% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Over three years, HYGW compounded at +3.41% per year against +21.83% for VTI. Across the full 4-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.09% annualized vs +4.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% compared with 3.6% for HYGW. 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 -5.5% for HYGW and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYGW charges 0.69% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $3 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYGW currently yields 10.71% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HYGW and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2789 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, HYGW or VTI?
HYGW has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYGW or VTI?
Over the past year HYGW returned -0.79% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), HYGW annualized +4.01% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYGW or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 3.6% for HYGW. Worst drawdown: HYGW -5.5% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HYGW and VTI?
HYGW and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYGW and VTI?
HYGW and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2789 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYGW or VTI?
HYGW yields 10.71% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HYGW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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