ICVT vs VYM
iShares Convertible Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ICVT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ICVT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.31% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 375 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +18.49% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.86% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.83% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.57% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Convertible | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 2, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ICVT vs VYM Performance
iShares Convertible Bond ETF (ICVT) 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 ICVT returned +27.86% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, ICVT is up 18.49% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, ICVT compounded at +17.83% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.57% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, ICVT has the edge at +11.38% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ICVT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% 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 -33.3% for ICVT 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICVT charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICVT currently yields 1.31% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ICVT and VYM share 0 holdings out of 665 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, ICVT or VYM?
ICVT has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICVT or VYM?
Over the past year ICVT returned +27.86% vs +24.43% for VYM, so ICVT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), ICVT annualized +11.38% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICVT or VYM?
ICVT has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ICVT -33.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ICVT and VYM?
ICVT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICVT and VYM?
ICVT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 665 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICVT or VYM?
ICVT yields 1.31% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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