ISCV vs VYM
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ISCV delivered stronger 1-year returns. ISCV offers more diversification with 1,057 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISCV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.06% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $707M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.82% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,057 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +17.45% | +14.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.89% | +20.88% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.06% | +18.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.13% | +12.04% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 28, 2004 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ISCV vs VYM Performance
iShares Morningstar Small-Cap Value ETF (ISCV) 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 ISCV returned +22.89% while VYM returned +20.88%. Year to date, ISCV is up 17.45% versus a gain of 14.84% for VYM.
Over three years, ISCV compounded at +16.06% per year against +18.34% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.13% and +12.04% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, ISCV has the edge at +7.03% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISCV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -64.8% for ISCV 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISCV charges 0.06% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $6 vs $4 annually, a gap of $2 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISCV currently yields 1.82% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ISCV and VYM share 289 holdings out of 1326 unique holdings combined, representing a 6.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISCV or VYM?
ISCV has an expense ratio of 0.06% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $2 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISCV or VYM?
Over the past year ISCV returned +22.89% vs +20.88% for VYM, so ISCV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), ISCV annualized +7.03% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISCV or VYM?
ISCV has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ISCV -64.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ISCV and VYM?
ISCV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between ISCV and VYM?
ISCV and VYM share 289 common holdings with a 6.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1326 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISCV or VYM?
ISCV yields 1.82% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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