IJS vs VYM
iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IJS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $8.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 487 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +21.53% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.98% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.26% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.69% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IJS vs VYM Performance
iShares S&P SmallCap 600 Value ETF (IJS) 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 IJS returned +37.98% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, IJS is up 21.53% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, IJS compounded at +14.26% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.69% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IJS has the edge at +8.80% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.3% 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 -61.3% for IJS 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJS 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, IJS currently yields 1.32% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IJS and VYM share 3 holdings out of 573 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, IJS or VYM?
IJS 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, IJS or VYM?
Over the past year IJS returned +37.98% vs +26.05% for VYM, so IJS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IJS annualized +8.80% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJS or VYM?
IJS has been the more volatile fund at 20.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IJS -61.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IJS and VYM?
IJS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJS and VYM?
IJS and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 573 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJS or VYM?
IJS yields 1.32% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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