ION vs VYM
Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ION delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ION | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.58% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $13M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.61% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 53 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -3.15% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +50.72% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.93% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 29, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ION vs VYM Performance
Proshares S&P Global Core Battery Metals ETF (ION) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ION returned +50.72% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, ION is down 3.15% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, ION compounded at +16.93% per year against +19.14% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, ION has the edge at +7.16% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ION has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.1% 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 -52.2% for ION 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 0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ION charges 0.58% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $4 annually, a gap of $54 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ION currently yields 1.61% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ION and VYM share 1 holdings out of 654 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 ION | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALB | 2.83% | 0.07% | 2.76% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ION or VYM?
ION has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $54 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ION or VYM?
Over the past year ION returned +50.72% vs +23.85% for VYM, so ION leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), ION annualized +7.16% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ION or VYM?
ION has been the more volatile fund at 31.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ION -52.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ION and VYM?
ION and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ION and VYM?
ION and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 654 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ION or VYM?
ION yields 1.61% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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