INTF vs VYM
iShares International Equity Factor ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. INTF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | INTF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.16% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.6B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.04% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 506 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.85% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.06% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.76% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.22% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 28, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
INTF vs VYM Performance
iShares International Equity Factor ETF (INTF) 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 INTF returned +28.06% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, INTF is up 14.85% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, INTF compounded at +20.76% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.22% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +6.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
INTF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -43.9% for INTF 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
INTF charges 0.16% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $16 vs $4 annually, a gap of $12 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, INTF currently yields 3.04% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
INTF and VYM share 1 holdings out of 1034 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 INTF | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| DG | 0.16% | 0.15% | 0.01% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, INTF or VYM?
INTF has an expense ratio of 0.16% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $12 per year of difference.
Which performed better, INTF or VYM?
Over the past year INTF returned +28.06% vs +26.12% for VYM, so INTF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), INTF annualized +6.80% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, INTF or VYM?
INTF has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: INTF -43.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both INTF and VYM?
INTF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between INTF and VYM?
INTF and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1034 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, INTF or VYM?
INTF yields 3.04% while VYM yields 2.86%, so INTF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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