ISTM vs VYM
iShares Strategic Metals ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ISTM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISTM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $31M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 14.27% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.47% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +49.91% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +34.73% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 26, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ISTM vs VYM Performance
iShares Strategic Metals ETF (ISTM) 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 ISTM returned +49.91% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, ISTM is up 7.47% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, ISTM compounded at +34.73% per year against +19.07% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, ISTM has the edge at +34.73% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISTM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% 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 -22.5% for ISTM 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 -0.04. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISTM charges 0.47% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $4 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISTM currently yields 14.27% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ISTM and VYM share 0 holdings out of 605 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, ISTM or VYM?
ISTM has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISTM or VYM?
Over the past year ISTM returned +49.91% vs +23.48% for VYM, so ISTM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), ISTM annualized +34.73% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISTM or VYM?
ISTM has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ISTM -22.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ISTM and VYM?
ISTM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.04, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISTM and VYM?
ISTM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISTM or VYM?
ISTM yields 14.27% while VYM yields 2.24%, so ISTM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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