ISRA vs VYM
VanEck Israel ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ISRA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISRA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $153M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.35% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 82 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +13.16% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.76% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.77% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.99% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 25, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ISRA vs VYM Performance
VanEck Israel ETF (ISRA) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISRA returned +40.76% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, ISRA is up 13.16% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, ISRA compounded at +25.77% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.99% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, ISRA has the edge at +8.98% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISRA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -45.0% for ISRA 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISRA charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISRA currently yields 1.35% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ISRA or VYM?
ISRA has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISRA or VYM?
Over the past year ISRA returned +40.76% vs +25.03% for VYM, so ISRA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ISRA annualized +8.98% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISRA or VYM?
ISRA has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ISRA -45.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ISRA and VYM?
ISRA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISRA and VYM?
ISRA and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 635 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISRA or VYM?
ISRA yields 1.35% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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