IROC vs VYM
Invesco Rochester High Yield Municipal 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 | IROC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $154M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.20% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 137 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -0.43% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.43% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.04% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 9, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IROC vs VYM Performance
Invesco Rochester High Yield Municipal ETF (IROC) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IROC returned +3.43% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, IROC is down 0.43% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, IROC compounded at +4.04% per year against +19.07% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +3.62%. 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 4.6% for IROC. 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 -4.8% for IROC 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IROC charges 0.39% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $4 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IROC currently yields 5.20% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IROC and VYM share 0 holdings out of 650 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, IROC or VYM?
IROC has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IROC or VYM?
Over the past year IROC returned +3.43% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), IROC annualized +3.62% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IROC or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.6% for IROC. Worst drawdown: IROC -4.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IROC and VYM?
IROC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IROC and VYM?
IROC and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 650 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IROC or VYM?
IROC yields 5.20% while VYM yields 2.24%, so IROC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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