IWMW vs VYM
iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWMW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $57M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 21.44% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +3.05% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.93% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 14, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IWMW vs VYM Performance
iShares Russell 2000 BuyWrite ETF (IWMW) 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 IWMW returned +8.93% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, IWMW is up 3.05% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.3% for IWMW. 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 -21.8% for IWMW 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWMW charges 0.39% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $4 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWMW currently yields 21.44% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IWMW and VYM share 0 holdings out of 560 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, IWMW or VYM?
IWMW has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWMW or VYM?
Over the past year IWMW returned +8.93% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IWMW annualized +6.56% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWMW or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.3% for IWMW. Worst drawdown: IWMW -21.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IWMW and VYM?
IWMW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWMW and VYM?
IWMW and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWMW or VYM?
IWMW yields 21.44% while VYM yields 2.86%, so IWMW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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