ILIT vs VYM
iShares Lithium Miners and Producers ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ILIT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ILIT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $14M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.84% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 43 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -6.58% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +44.28% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -6.62% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 43.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 21, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ILIT vs VYM Performance
iShares Lithium Miners and Producers ETF (ILIT) 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 ILIT returned +44.28% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, ILIT is down 6.58% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, ILIT compounded at -6.62% per year against +18.43% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs -9.67%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ILIT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 43.7% 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 -72.1% for ILIT 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 0.44. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ILIT charges 0.47% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $4 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ILIT currently yields 1.84% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ILIT and VYM share 1 holdings out of 592 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ILIT | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALB | 7.26% | 0.09% | 7.17% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ILIT or VYM?
ILIT has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ILIT or VYM?
Over the past year ILIT returned +44.28% vs +26.05% for VYM, so ILIT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ILIT annualized -9.67% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ILIT or VYM?
ILIT has been the more volatile fund at 43.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ILIT -72.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ILIT and VYM?
ILIT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.44, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ILIT and VYM?
ILIT and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 592 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ILIT or VYM?
ILIT yields 1.84% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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