IJH vs VYM
iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap 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 | IJH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.05% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $123.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.15% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 413 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.77% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.79% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.09% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.93% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IJH vs VYM Performance
iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF (IJH) 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 IJH returned +22.79% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, IJH is up 17.77% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, IJH compounded at +15.09% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.93% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IJH has the edge at +8.84% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.7% 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 -56.1% for IJH 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJH charges 0.05% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $5 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJH currently yields 1.15% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IJH and VYM share 11 holdings out of 575 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IJH or VYM?
IJH has an expense ratio of 0.05% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJH or VYM?
Over the past year IJH returned +22.79% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IJH annualized +8.84% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJH or VYM?
IJH has been the more volatile fund at 17.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IJH -56.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IJH and VYM?
IJH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJH and VYM?
IJH and VYM share 11 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 575 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJH or VYM?
IJH yields 1.15% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.