IGRO vs VYM
iShares International Dividend Growth 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 | IGRO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.62% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 584 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +10.56% | +15.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.23% | +23.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.84% | +19.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.82% | +12.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 17, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IGRO vs VYM Performance
iShares International Dividend Growth ETF (IGRO) 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 IGRO returned +18.23% while VYM returned +23.95%. Year to date, IGRO is up 10.56% versus a gain of 15.84% for VYM.
Over three years, IGRO compounded at +17.84% per year against +19.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.82% and +12.19% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, IGRO has the edge at +7.97% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IGRO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.7% 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 -37.0% for IGRO 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGRO charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IGRO currently yields 2.62% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGRO or VYM?
IGRO has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGRO or VYM?
Over the past year IGRO returned +18.23% vs +23.95% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), IGRO annualized +7.97% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGRO or VYM?
IGRO has been the more volatile fund at 14.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IGRO -37.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IGRO and VYM?
IGRO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IGRO and VYM?
IGRO and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1125 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGRO or VYM?
IGRO yields 2.62% while VYM yields 2.24%, so IGRO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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