INMU vs VYM
iShares Intermediate Muni Income Active 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 | INMU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $553M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.40% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 456 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +0.65% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.84% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.44% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.35% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 16, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
INMU vs VYM Performance
iShares Intermediate Muni Income Active ETF (INMU) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year INMU returned +4.84% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, INMU is up 0.65% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, INMU compounded at +4.44% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.35% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +1.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 5.1% for INMU. 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 -10.7% for INMU 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 0.60. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INMU charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INMU currently yields 3.40% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
INMU and VYM share 0 holdings out of 724 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INMU or VYM?
INMU has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INMU or VYM?
Over the past year INMU returned +4.84% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), INMU annualized +1.78% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INMU or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.1% for INMU. Worst drawdown: INMU -10.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both INMU and VYM?
INMU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INMU and VYM?
INMU and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 724 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INMU or VYM?
INMU yields 3.40% while VYM yields 2.24%, so INMU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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