ICF vs VYM
ICF vs VYM
iShares Select US REIT 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 | ICF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.32% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.46% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 34 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.58% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.05% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.45% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.54% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 29, 2001 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ICF vs VYM Performance
iShares Select US REIT ETF (ICF) 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 ICF returned +16.05% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, ICF is up 15.58% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, ICF compounded at +10.45% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.54% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +5.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ICF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.3% 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 worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
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 2.46% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ICF and VYM share 0 holdings out of 589 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, ICF or VYM?
ICF has an expense ratio of 0.32% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $28 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICF or VYM?
Over the past year ICF returned +16.05% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), ICF annualized +5.51% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICF or VYM?
ICF has been the more volatile fund at 21.3% 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 combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICF and VYM?
ICF and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 589 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICF or VYM?
ICF yields 2.46% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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