IXC vs VYM
iShares Global Energy ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IXC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IXC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.7B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 66 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +31.57% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +45.36% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.43% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.03% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IXC vs VYM Performance
iShares Global Energy ETF (IXC) 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 IXC returned +45.36% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, IXC is up 31.57% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, IXC compounded at +15.43% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +22.03% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +6.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IXC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.9% 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 -76.1% for IXC 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXC charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXC currently yields 3.20% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IXC and VYM share 20 holdings out of 588 unique holdings combined, representing a 8.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IXC or VYM?
IXC has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXC or VYM?
Over the past year IXC returned +45.36% vs +25.99% for VYM, so IXC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IXC annualized +6.30% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXC or VYM?
IXC has been the more volatile fund at 22.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IXC -76.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IXC and VYM?
IXC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXC and VYM?
IXC and VYM share 20 common holdings with a 8.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 588 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXC or VYM?
IXC yields 3.20% while VYM yields 2.86%, so IXC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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