IDYN vs VYM
iShares International Equity Factor Rotation Active 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IDYN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.45% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $111M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.81% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 197 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.10% | +15.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.02% | +23.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 5, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IDYN vs VYM Performance
iShares International Equity Factor Rotation Active ETF (IDYN) 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 IDYN returned +21.02% while VYM returned +23.95%. Year to date, IDYN is up 11.10% versus a gain of 15.84% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.1% for IDYN. 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 -12.7% for IDYN 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IDYN charges 0.45% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $45 vs $4 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IDYN currently yields 1.81% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IDYN and VYM share 1 holdings out of 790 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IDYN | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DG | 1.35% | 0.11% | 1.24% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IDYN or VYM?
IDYN has an expense ratio of 0.45% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IDYN or VYM?
Over the past year IDYN returned +21.02% vs +23.95% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IDYN annualized +23.64% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IDYN or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.1% for IDYN. Worst drawdown: IDYN -12.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IDYN and VYM?
IDYN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IDYN and VYM?
IDYN and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IDYN or VYM?
IDYN yields 1.81% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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