ICF vs VYM
iShares Select US REIT ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, ICF or VYM?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 59.8%.
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 | ICF | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $2.0B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.40% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 34 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +9.44% | +12.29%Best |
| 1Y Return | +8.66% | +16.61%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.36% | +17.42%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.42% | +12.12%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.4% | 14.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -78.8% | -58.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $10,730 | $17,718Best |
| Top 10 Weight | 59.8% | 26.1%Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jan 29, 2001 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 16, 2006 to Sep 17, 2026 (19.8 years).
ICF 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 19.8 years both funds cover.
ICF vs VYM Performance
iShares Select US REIT ETF (ICF) 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 ICF returned +8.66% while VYM returned +16.61%. Year to date, ICF is up 9.44% versus a gain of 12.29% for VYM.
Over three years, ICF compounded at +9.36% per year against +17.42% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.42% and +12.12% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.87% annualized vs +2.16%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ICF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.4% 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 -78.8% for ICF and -58.8% 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICF charges 0.32% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $32 vs $4 annually, a gap of $28 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICF currently yields 2.40% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 31 holdings in ICF and 557 in VYM, totalling 99.9% 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 31 positions we hold weights for in ICF and 557 in VYM, against full books of 34 and 613.
What only one of them owns
Measured across the 31 and 557 positions we hold weights for.
VYM holds 528 positions ICF does not, 97.1% of the fund.
Largest: AVGO 7.35%, JPM 3.82%, XOM 2.63%, JNJ 2.51%, CSCO 1.86%
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of ICF 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, ICF or VYM?
ICF has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $28 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, ICF or VYM?
Over the past year ICF returned +8.66% vs +16.61% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), ICF annualized +2.16% vs +6.87% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, ICF or VYM?
ICF has been the more volatile fund at 22.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ICF -78.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ICF and VYM?
ICF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, 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, ICF or VYM?
ICF yields 2.40% while VYM yields 2.22%, so ICF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than ICF?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. VYM is less concentrated, with 26.1% of the fund in its ten largest positions against 59.8%. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.