IAUM vs VYM
iShares Gold Trust Micro vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IAUM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IAUM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7.4B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +4.56% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.18% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +33.66% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.43% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 15, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IAUM vs VYM Performance
iShares Gold Trust Micro (IAUM) 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 IAUM returned +35.18% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, IAUM is up 4.56% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, IAUM compounded at +33.66% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +20.43% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, IAUM has the edge at +20.08% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IAUM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -26.3% for IAUM 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 2.24% for VYM.
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. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IAUM or VYM?
Over the past year IAUM returned +35.18% vs +22.16% for VYM, so IAUM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), IAUM annualized +20.08% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IAUM or VYM?
IAUM has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IAUM -26.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IAUM and VYM?
IAUM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IAUM or VYM?
IAUM yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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