IMCB vs VYM
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
IMCB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IMCB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.22% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 399 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +20.14% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.58% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.06% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.54% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IMCB vs VYM Performance
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap ETF (IMCB) 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 IMCB returned +26.58% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, IMCB is up 20.14% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, IMCB compounded at +18.06% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.54% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IMCB has the edge at +9.37% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IMCB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -59.6% for IMCB 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
IMCB charges 0.04% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $4 annually. On income, IMCB currently yields 1.22% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IMCB and VYM share 155 holdings out of 799 unique holdings combined, representing a 27.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMCB or VYM?
IMCB has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VYM charges 0.04%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMCB or VYM?
Over the past year IMCB returned +26.58% vs +25.99% for VYM, so IMCB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IMCB annualized +9.37% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMCB or VYM?
IMCB has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IMCB -59.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IMCB and VYM?
IMCB 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 IMCB and VYM?
IMCB and VYM share 155 common holdings with a 27.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 799 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMCB or VYM?
IMCB yields 1.22% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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