IDEC vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIDECVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.04%
AUM$42M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings6568
YTD Return+8.76%+15.80%
1Y Return+16.75%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)7.0%14.6%
Max Drawdown-8.5%-58.8%
Fund FamilyInnovator ETFs TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 1, 2023Nov 10, 2006

IDEC vs VYM Performance

Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - December (IDEC) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IDEC returned +16.75% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, IDEC is up 8.76% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 7.0% for IDEC. 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 -8.5% for IDEC 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IDEC charges 0.85% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $4 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDEC currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IDEC or VYM?

IDEC has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IDEC or VYM?

Over the past year IDEC returned +16.75% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IDEC annualized +13.45% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IDEC or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.0% for IDEC. Worst drawdown: IDEC -8.5% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both IDEC and VYM?

IDEC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, IDEC or VYM?

IDEC yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

X-ray your whole portfolio
$99/yr7-day refund. ETFs, mutual funds, 401(k)s.
Get Pro →