IEZ vs VYM
iShares US Oil Equipment & Services ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IEZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.37% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $381M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.27% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 35 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +37.66% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +68.47% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.23% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.59% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -93.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IEZ vs VYM Performance
iShares US Oil Equipment & Services ETF (IEZ) 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 IEZ returned +68.47% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, IEZ is up 37.66% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, IEZ compounded at +10.23% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +20.59% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs -2.44%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IEZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.8% 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 -93.5% for IEZ 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEZ charges 0.37% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $37 vs $4 annually, a gap of $33 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEZ currently yields 1.27% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IEZ and VYM share 10 holdings out of 625 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IEZ or VYM?
IEZ has an expense ratio of 0.37% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $33 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEZ or VYM?
Over the past year IEZ returned +68.47% vs +23.24% for VYM, so IEZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IEZ annualized -2.44% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEZ or VYM?
IEZ has been the more volatile fund at 37.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IEZ -93.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IEZ and VYM?
IEZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEZ and VYM?
IEZ and VYM share 10 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 625 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEZ or VYM?
IEZ yields 1.27% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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