IJT vs VYM
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IJT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IJT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $8.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 390 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +24.04% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.58% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.91% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.68% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IJT vs VYM Performance
iShares S&P Small-Cap 600 Growth ETF (IJT) 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 IJT returned +32.58% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, IJT is up 24.04% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, IJT compounded at +15.91% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.68% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IJT has the edge at +9.06% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IJT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.2% 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 -58.0% for IJT 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IJT 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, IJT currently yields 0.68% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IJT and VYM share 1 holdings out of 571 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IJT | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWR | 0.24% | 0.01% | 0.23% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IJT or VYM?
IJT 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, IJT or VYM?
Over the past year IJT returned +32.58% vs +26.05% for VYM, so IJT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IJT annualized +9.06% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IJT or VYM?
IJT has been the more volatile fund at 19.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IJT -58.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IJT and VYM?
IJT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IJT and VYM?
IJT and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 571 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IJT or VYM?
IJT yields 0.68% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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