IJJ vs VYM
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value 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 | IJJ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $8.9B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.59% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 309 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +13.75% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.56% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.33% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.77% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IJJ vs VYM Performance
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Value ETF (IJJ) 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 IJJ returned +23.56% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, IJJ is up 13.75% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, IJJ compounded at +13.33% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.77% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IJJ has the edge at +8.90% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% 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 -59.6% for IJJ 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJJ charges 0.18% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $4 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJJ currently yields 1.59% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IJJ and VYM share 12 holdings out of 572 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IJJ or VYM?
IJJ has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJJ or VYM?
Over the past year IJJ returned +23.56% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IJJ annualized +8.90% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJJ or VYM?
IJJ has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IJJ -59.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IJJ and VYM?
IJJ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IJJ and VYM?
IJJ and VYM share 12 common holdings with a 0.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 572 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJJ or VYM?
IJJ yields 1.59% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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