ISCB vs VYM
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
ISCB delivered stronger 1-year returns. ISCB offers more diversification with 1,587 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISCB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $294M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.28% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,587 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +15.81% | +14.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.61% | +20.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.42% | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.09% | +12.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ISCB vs VYM Performance
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap ETF (ISCB) 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 ISCB returned +21.61% while VYM returned +20.88%. Year to date, ISCB is up 15.81% versus a gain of 14.84% for VYM.
Over three years, ISCB compounded at +16.42% per year against +18.34% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.09% and +12.04% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, ISCB has the edge at +7.95% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISCB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.7% 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 -61.9% for ISCB 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISCB charges 0.04% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $4 annually. On income, ISCB currently yields 1.28% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ISCB and VYM share 291 holdings out of 1618 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISCB or VYM?
ISCB has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VYM charges 0.04%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISCB or VYM?
Over the past year ISCB returned +21.61% vs +20.88% for VYM, so ISCB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), ISCB annualized +7.95% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISCB or VYM?
ISCB has been the more volatile fund at 19.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ISCB -61.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ISCB and VYM?
ISCB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISCB and VYM?
ISCB and VYM share 291 common holdings with a 6.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1618 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISCB or VYM?
ISCB yields 1.28% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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