IJK vs VYM
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IJK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJK | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $11.2B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.54% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 252 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +17.79% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.44% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.77% | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IJK vs VYM Performance
iShares S&P Mid-Cap 400 Growth ETF (IJK) 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 IJK returned +21.96% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, IJK is up 17.79% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Over three years, IJK compounded at +16.44% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.77% and +12.00% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IJK has the edge at +8.07% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.1% 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 -54.6% for IJK 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJK charges 0.16% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $4 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IJK currently yields 0.54% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IJK and VYM share 54 holdings out of 796 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IJK or VYM?
IJK has an expense ratio of 0.16% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IJK or VYM?
Over the past year IJK returned +21.96% vs +21.14% for VYM, so IJK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IJK annualized +8.07% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJK or VYM?
IJK has been the more volatile fund at 18.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IJK -54.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IJK and VYM?
IJK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJK and VYM?
IJK and VYM share 54 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 796 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJK or VYM?
IJK yields 0.54% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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