IAUM vs VYM
iShares Gold Trust Micro vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, IAUM or VYM?
Gold against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IAUM 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 | IAUM | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $7.8B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 2 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +0.35% | +13.91%Best |
| 1Y Return | +19.50%Best | +17.57% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.40%Best | +18.12% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.32%Best | +12.17% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 13.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -15.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $24,186Best | $17,758 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Commodity | Equity |
| Style | Gold | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jun 15, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jun 29, 2021 to Sep 11, 2026 (5.2 years).
IAUM 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 5.2 years both funds cover.
IAUM vs VYM Performance
iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) 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 IAUM returned +19.50% while VYM returned +17.57%. Year to date, IAUM is up 0.35% versus a gain of 13.91% for VYM.
Over three years, IAUM compounded at +31.40% per year against +18.12% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +19.32% and +12.17% respectively.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IAUM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% compared with 13.5% 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 -26.3% for IAUM and -15.8% 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 0.24. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IAUM charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IAUM currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IAUM 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, IAUM or VYM?
IAUM has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $5 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IAUM or VYM?
Over the past year IAUM returned +19.50% vs +17.57% for VYM, so IAUM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IAUM or VYM?
IAUM has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 13.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IAUM -26.3% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both IAUM and VYM?
IAUM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, 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, IAUM or VYM?
IAUM yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than IAUM?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IAUM 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.