IIGD vs VYM
Invesco Investment Grade Defensive 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IIGD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.13% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $27M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.26% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 167 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.44% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.64% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.30% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.65% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 25, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IIGD vs VYM Performance
Invesco Investment Grade Defensive ETF (IIGD) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IIGD returned +2.64% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, IIGD is up 0.44% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, IIGD compounded at +5.30% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.65% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +1.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.7% for IIGD. 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 -13.1% for IIGD 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 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IIGD charges 0.13% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $13 vs $4 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IIGD currently yields 4.26% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IIGD and VYM share 0 holdings out of 709 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, IIGD or VYM?
IIGD has an expense ratio of 0.13% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IIGD or VYM?
Over the past year IIGD returned +2.64% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IIGD annualized +1.89% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IIGD or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.7% for IIGD. Worst drawdown: IIGD -13.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IIGD and VYM?
IIGD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IIGD and VYM?
IIGD and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 709 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IIGD or VYM?
IIGD yields 4.26% while VYM yields 2.86%, so IIGD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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