IBHL vs VYM
iShares iBonds 2032 Term High Yield and Income 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 | IBHL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $25M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.30% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 208 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -1.56% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.30% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -3.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IBHL vs VYM Performance
iShares iBonds 2032 Term High Yield and Income ETF (IBHL) 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 IBHL returned +1.30% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, IBHL is down 1.56% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.5% for IBHL. 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 -3.7% for IBHL 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IBHL charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IBHL currently yields 6.30% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IBHL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 734 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, IBHL or VYM?
IBHL has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IBHL or VYM?
Over the past year IBHL returned +1.30% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IBHL annualized +4.45% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IBHL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.5% for IBHL. Worst drawdown: IBHL -3.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IBHL and VYM?
IBHL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IBHL and VYM?
IBHL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 734 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IBHL or VYM?
IBHL yields 6.30% while VYM yields 2.86%, so IBHL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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