IWN vs VYM
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IWN delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWN offers more diversification with 1,408 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $14.7B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.44% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,408 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +23.72% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.44% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.15% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.13% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IWN vs VYM Performance
iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF (IWN) 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 IWN returned +37.44% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, IWN is up 23.72% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, IWN compounded at +19.15% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.13% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IWN has the edge at +7.92% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.6% 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 -62.9% for IWN 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWN charges 0.24% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $4 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWN currently yields 1.44% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IWN and VYM share 153 holdings out of 1684 unique holdings combined, representing a 2.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IWN or VYM?
IWN has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWN or VYM?
Over the past year IWN returned +37.44% vs +23.24% for VYM, so IWN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IWN annualized +7.92% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWN or VYM?
IWN has been the more volatile fund at 19.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IWN -62.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IWN and VYM?
IWN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWN and VYM?
IWN and VYM share 153 common holdings with a 2.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1684 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWN or VYM?
IWN yields 1.44% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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