IGSB vs VYM
iShares 1-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. IGSB offers more diversification with 4,645 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IGSB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $23.4B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.60% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 4,645 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +0.91% | +14.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.70% | +20.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.76% | +18.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.50% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.7% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IGSB vs VYM Performance
iShares 1-5 Year Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (IGSB) 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 IGSB returned +2.70% while VYM returned +20.67%. Year to date, IGSB is up 0.91% versus a gain of 14.18% for VYM.
Over three years, IGSB compounded at +5.76% per year against +18.47% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.50% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.97% annualized vs +1.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 2.7% for IGSB. 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 -13.4% for IGSB 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IGSB charges 0.04% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $4 annually. On income, IGSB currently yields 4.60% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IGSB and VYM share 2 holdings out of 1730 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IGSB | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMUS | 0.17% | 0.34% | 0.17% |
| RCL 5.5 04/01/28 144 | 0.04% | 0.33% | 0.29% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IGSB or VYM?
IGSB has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VYM charges 0.04%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IGSB or VYM?
Over the past year IGSB returned +2.70% vs +20.67% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IGSB annualized +1.14% vs +6.97% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IGSB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 2.7% for IGSB. Worst drawdown: IGSB -13.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IGSB and VYM?
IGSB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IGSB and VYM?
IGSB and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1730 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IGSB or VYM?
IGSB yields 4.60% while VYM yields 2.24%, so IGSB currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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