ISVL vs VYM
iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ISVL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISVL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $335M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.06% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 538 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +13.46% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.57% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.37% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.33% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -30.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 23, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ISVL vs VYM Performance
iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) 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 ISVL returned +25.57% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, ISVL is up 13.46% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, ISVL compounded at +23.37% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.33% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, ISVL has the edge at +12.21% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ISVL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -30.5% for ISVL 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISVL charges 0.31% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $4 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISVL currently yields 3.06% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ISVL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 1112 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, ISVL or VYM?
ISVL has an expense ratio of 0.31% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISVL or VYM?
Over the past year ISVL returned +25.57% vs +24.22% for VYM, so ISVL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), ISVL annualized +12.21% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISVL or VYM?
ISVL has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ISVL -30.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ISVL and VYM?
ISVL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISVL and VYM?
ISVL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1112 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISVL or VYM?
ISVL yields 3.06% while VYM yields 2.24%, so ISVL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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