INFR vs VYM
Clearbridge Sustainable Infrastructure ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. INFR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INFR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $12M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 32 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.31% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.37% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.21% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +0.39% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 29, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
INFR vs VYM Performance
Clearbridge Sustainable Infrastructure ETF (INFR) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year INFR returned +26.37% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, INFR is up 0.31% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, INFR compounded at +5.21% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +0.39% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs +3.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
INFR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.4% 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 -35.8% for INFR 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INFR charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INFR currently yields 2.52% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
INFR and VYM share 6 holdings out of 582 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INFR or VYM?
INFR has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INFR or VYM?
Over the past year INFR returned +26.37% vs +24.43% for VYM, so INFR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), INFR annualized +3.53% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INFR or VYM?
INFR has been the more volatile fund at 16.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: INFR -35.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both INFR and VYM?
INFR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INFR and VYM?
INFR and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 582 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INFR or VYM?
INFR yields 2.52% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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