ISWN vs VYM
Amplify BlackSwan ISWN ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ISWN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $38M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.87% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 14 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +5.86% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.96% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.34% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.26% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 26, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ISWN vs VYM Performance
Amplify BlackSwan ISWN ETF (ISWN) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ISWN returned +9.96% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, ISWN is up 5.86% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, ISWN compounded at +10.34% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.26% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +0.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.6% for ISWN. 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 -32.4% for ISWN 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 0.64. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ISWN charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ISWN currently yields 2.87% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ISWN and VYM share 0 holdings out of 612 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, ISWN or VYM?
ISWN has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ISWN or VYM?
Over the past year ISWN returned +9.96% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), ISWN annualized +0.31% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ISWN or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.6% for ISWN. Worst drawdown: ISWN -32.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ISWN and VYM?
ISWN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.64, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ISWN and VYM?
ISWN and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 612 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ISWN or VYM?
ISWN yields 2.87% while VYM yields 2.24%, so ISWN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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