IRET vs VYM
iREIT - MarketVector Quality REIT Index 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 | IRET | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.17% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 36 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.44% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.78% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -24.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iREIT | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 5, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IRET vs VYM Performance
iREIT - MarketVector Quality REIT Index ETF (IRET) is a ETF from iREIT and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IRET returned +16.78% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, IRET is up 14.44% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IRET has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.9% 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 -24.4% for IRET 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IRET charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IRET currently yields 4.17% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IRET and VYM share 0 holdings out of 635 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, IRET or VYM?
IRET has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IRET or VYM?
Over the past year IRET returned +16.78% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IRET annualized +7.00% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IRET or VYM?
IRET has been the more volatile fund at 15.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IRET -24.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IRET and VYM?
IRET and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IRET and VYM?
IRET and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 635 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IRET or VYM?
IRET yields 4.17% while VYM yields 2.24%, so IRET currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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