IYK vs VYM
iShares US Consumer Staples 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 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IYK | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.61% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.73% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.64% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.30% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.02% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 12, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IYK vs VYM Performance
iShares US Consumer Staples ETF (IYK) 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 IYK returned +8.64% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, IYK is up 12.73% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, IYK compounded at +6.30% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.02% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IYK has the edge at +7.18% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.1% for IYK. 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 -44.1% for IYK 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 0.85. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IYK 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, IYK currently yields 2.61% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IYK and VYM share 33 holdings out of 579 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IYK or VYM?
IYK 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, IYK or VYM?
Over the past year IYK returned +8.64% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IYK annualized +7.18% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IYK or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.1% for IYK. Worst drawdown: IYK -44.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IYK and VYM?
IYK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.85, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IYK and VYM?
IYK and VYM share 33 common holdings with a 9.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 579 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IYK or VYM?
IYK yields 2.61% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.