IVAL vs VYM
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IVAL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVAL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $217M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.77% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.43% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.51% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.24% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.27% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Alpha Architect | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 16, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IVAL vs VYM Performance
Alpha Architect International Quantitative Value ETF (IVAL) is a ETF from Alpha Architect and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVAL returned +27.51% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, IVAL is up 17.43% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, IVAL compounded at +19.24% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.27% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +5.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVAL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -49.2% for IVAL 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVAL charges 0.38% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $4 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVAL currently yields 2.77% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IVAL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 608 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, IVAL or VYM?
IVAL has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVAL or VYM?
Over the past year IVAL returned +27.51% vs +25.03% for VYM, so IVAL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IVAL annualized +5.48% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVAL or VYM?
IVAL has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IVAL -49.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IVAL and VYM?
IVAL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IVAL and VYM?
IVAL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 608 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVAL or VYM?
IVAL yields 2.77% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.