IVV vs VYM
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.39% | +15.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.24% | +22.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.78% | +19.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.84% | +12.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IVV vs VYM Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) 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 IVV returned +20.24% while VYM returned +22.36%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.39% versus a gain of 15.42% for VYM.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.78% per year against +19.06% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.84% and +12.20% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +6.98%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IVV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.1% 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 -56.5% for IVV 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and VYM share 245 holdings out of 863 unique holdings combined, representing a 33.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or VYM?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or VYM?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.24% vs +22.36% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IVV annualized +6.98% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or VYM?
IVV has been the more volatile fund at 15.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IVV and VYM?
IVV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 IVV and VYM?
IVV and VYM share 245 common holdings with a 33.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 863 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or VYM?
IVV yields 1.10% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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