IG vs VYM
Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, IG or VYM?
Long Term Mid Quality against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IG | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $203M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.17% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 251 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -2.37% | +14.82%Best |
| 1Y Return | -1.00% | +20.84%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.56% | +18.64%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.93% | +12.28%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.0%Best | 15.2% |
| Max Drawdown | -23.8%Best | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,544 | $17,845Best |
| Fund Family | Principal Funds | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Long Term Mid Quality | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Apr 18, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 19, 2018 to Sep 4, 2026 (8.4 years).
IG vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 8.4 years both funds cover.
IG vs VYM Performance
Principal Investment Grade Corporate ETF (IG) is an ETF from Principal Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IG returned -1.00% while VYM returned +20.84%. Year to date, IG is down 2.37% versus a gain of 14.82% for VYM.
Over three years, IG compounded at +4.56% per year against +18.64% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.93% and +12.28% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +10.47% annualized vs +0.48%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% compared with 8.0% for IG. 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 -23.8% for IG and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.55. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IG charges 0.19% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $4 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IG currently yields 5.17% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 125 holdings in IG and 603 in VYM, totalling 55.2% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 49 days apart, IG as of Aug 18, 2026 and VYM as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 125 positions we hold weights for in IG and 603 in VYM, against full books of 251 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IG and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IG or VYM?
IG has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $15 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IG or VYM?
Over the past year IG returned -1.00% vs +20.84% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IG annualized +0.48% vs +10.47% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 8.0% for IG. Worst drawdown: IG -23.8% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both IG and VYM?
IG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IG or VYM?
IG yields 5.17% while VYM yields 2.24%, so IG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than IG?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.