IVOO vs VYM
Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 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 | IVOO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3.8B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.18% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 408 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +15.09% | +15.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.42% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.39% | +18.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.68% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 7, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IVOO vs VYM Performance
Vanguard S&P Mid-Cap 400 ETF (IVOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IVOO returned +19.42% while VYM returned +21.96%. Year to date, IVOO is up 15.09% versus a gain of 15.36% for VYM.
Over three years, IVOO compounded at +15.39% per year against +18.85% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.68% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, IVOO has the edge at +11.33% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -42.5% for IVOO 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVOO charges 0.07% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $4 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVOO currently yields 1.18% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IVOO and VYM share 143 holdings out of 861 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVOO or VYM?
IVOO has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVOO or VYM?
Over the past year IVOO returned +19.42% vs +21.96% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), IVOO annualized +11.33% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVOO or VYM?
IVOO has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IVOO -42.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IVOO and VYM?
IVOO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IVOO and VYM?
IVOO and VYM share 143 common holdings with a 4.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 861 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVOO or VYM?
IVOO yields 1.18% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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