IPOS vs VYM
Renaissance International IPO ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IPOS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IPOS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $12M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.36% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +37.08% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.10% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.79% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.91% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -73.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Renaissance Capital | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 6, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IPOS vs VYM Performance
Renaissance International IPO ETF (IPOS) is a ETF from Renaissance Capital and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IPOS returned +48.10% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, IPOS is up 37.08% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, IPOS compounded at +17.79% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -5.91% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +1.60%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IPOS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.8% 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 -73.1% for IPOS 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IPOS charges 0.80% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $4 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IPOS currently yields 0.36% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IPOS and VYM share 0 holdings out of 653 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, IPOS or VYM?
IPOS has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IPOS or VYM?
Over the past year IPOS returned +48.10% vs +24.22% for VYM, so IPOS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IPOS annualized +1.60% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IPOS or VYM?
IPOS has been the more volatile fund at 21.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IPOS -73.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IPOS and VYM?
IPOS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IPOS and VYM?
IPOS and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 653 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IPOS or VYM?
IPOS yields 0.36% 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.