IWMY vs VYM
Defiance R2000 Weekly Distribution 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 | IWMY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.05% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $98M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 41.94% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +16.82% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.68% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -35.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 30, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IWMY vs VYM Performance
Defiance R2000 Weekly Distribution ETF (IWMY) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IWMY returned +20.68% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, IWMY is up 16.82% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWMY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -35.7% for IWMY 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWMY charges 1.05% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $4 annually, a gap of $101 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWMY currently yields 41.94% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IWMY and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 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, IWMY or VYM?
IWMY has an expense ratio of 1.05% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $101 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWMY or VYM?
Over the past year IWMY returned +20.68% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IWMY annualized +0.49% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWMY or VYM?
IWMY has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IWMY -35.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IWMY and VYM?
IWMY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWMY and VYM?
IWMY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWMY or VYM?
IWMY yields 41.94% while VYM yields 2.24%, so IWMY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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