IMCG vs VYM
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IMCG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.63% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 265 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +21.85% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.74% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.53% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.55% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IMCG vs VYM Performance
iShares Morningstar Mid-Cap Growth ETF (IMCG) 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 IMCG returned +22.74% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, IMCG is up 21.85% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, IMCG compounded at +19.53% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.55% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IMCG has the edge at +11.20% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IMCG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -59.0% for IMCG 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IMCG charges 0.06% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $4 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IMCG currently yields 0.63% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IMCG and VYM share 74 holdings out of 790 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IMCG or VYM?
IMCG has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IMCG or VYM?
Over the past year IMCG returned +22.74% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IMCG annualized +11.20% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IMCG or VYM?
IMCG has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IMCG -59.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IMCG and VYM?
IMCG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IMCG and VYM?
IMCG and VYM share 74 common holdings with a 13.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IMCG or VYM?
IMCG yields 0.63% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.