ISMD vs VYM
Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ISMD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISMD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.57% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $349M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.12% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 504 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +30.36% | +15.84% | |
| 1Y Return | +35.64% | +23.95% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.96% | +19.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.46% | +12.19% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Inspire ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 27, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ISMD vs VYM Performance
Inspire Small/Mid Cap ETF (ISMD) is a ETF from Inspire ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISMD returned +35.64% while VYM returned +23.95%. Year to date, ISMD is up 30.36% versus a gain of 15.84% for VYM.
Over three years, ISMD compounded at +17.96% per year against +19.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.46% and +12.19% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, ISMD has the edge at +9.47% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -45.5% for ISMD 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISMD charges 0.57% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $57 vs $4 annually, a gap of $53 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISMD currently yields 1.12% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ISMD and VYM share 101 holdings out of 1000 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISMD or VYM?
ISMD has an expense ratio of 0.57% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $53 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISMD or VYM?
Over the past year ISMD returned +35.64% vs +23.95% for VYM, so ISMD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), ISMD annualized +9.47% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISMD or VYM?
ISMD has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ISMD -45.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ISMD and VYM?
ISMD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISMD and VYM?
ISMD and VYM share 101 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1000 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISMD or VYM?
ISMD yields 1.12% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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