IYJ vs VYM
iShares US Industrials 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 | IYJ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.70% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 215 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.85% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.82% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.23% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.18% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IYJ vs VYM Performance
iShares US Industrials ETF (IYJ) 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 IYJ returned +16.82% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, IYJ is up 12.85% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, IYJ compounded at +17.23% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.18% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IYJ has the edge at +7.68% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IYJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.6% 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 -62.8% for IYJ 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
IYJ charges 0.38% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $4 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IYJ currently yields 0.70% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IYJ and VYM share 55 holdings out of 715 unique holdings combined, representing a 13.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IYJ or VYM?
IYJ has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IYJ or VYM?
Over the past year IYJ returned +16.82% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IYJ annualized +7.68% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYJ or VYM?
IYJ has been the more volatile fund at 18.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IYJ -62.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IYJ and VYM?
IYJ 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 IYJ and VYM?
IYJ and VYM share 55 common holdings with a 13.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 715 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYJ or VYM?
IYJ yields 0.70% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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