IETC vs VYM
iShares US Tech Independence Focused 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 | IETC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $719M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.41% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +5.67% | +15.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.22% | +22.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.25% | +19.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.43% | +12.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 21, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IETC vs VYM Performance
iShares US Tech Independence Focused ETF (IETC) 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 IETC returned +10.22% while VYM returned +22.36%. Year to date, IETC is up 5.67% versus a gain of 15.42% for VYM.
Over three years, IETC compounded at +25.25% per year against +19.06% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and +12.20% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, IETC has the edge at +19.74% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IETC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% 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 -38.5% for IETC 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IETC charges 0.18% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $4 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IETC currently yields 0.41% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IETC and VYM share 18 holdings out of 688 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IETC or VYM?
IETC has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IETC or VYM?
Over the past year IETC returned +10.22% vs +22.36% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IETC annualized +19.74% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IETC or VYM?
IETC has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IETC -38.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IETC and VYM?
IETC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IETC and VYM?
IETC and VYM share 18 common holdings with a 13.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 688 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IETC or VYM?
IETC yields 0.41% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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