IFN vs VYM
Aberdeen India Fund Inc. 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IFN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $703M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 20.84% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 50 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -9.15% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | -9.43% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -0.08% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.47% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 23, 1994 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IFN vs VYM Performance
Aberdeen India Fund Inc. (IFN) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IFN returned -9.43% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, IFN is down 9.15% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, IFN compounded at -0.08% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.47% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +3.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IFN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.5% 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 -83.5% for IFN 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 0.57. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IFN charges 1.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $135 vs $4 annually, a gap of $131 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IFN currently yields 20.84% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IFN and VYM share 0 holdings out of 607 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, IFN or VYM?
IFN has an expense ratio of 1.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $131 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IFN or VYM?
Over the past year IFN returned -9.43% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IFN annualized +3.29% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IFN or VYM?
IFN has been the more volatile fund at 31.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IFN -83.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IFN and VYM?
IFN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.57, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IFN and VYM?
IFN and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 607 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFN or VYM?
IFN yields 20.84% while VYM yields 2.86%, so IFN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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