LDRT vs VYM
LDRT vs VYM
iShares iBonds 1-5 Year Treasury Ladder 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 | LDRT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.07% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $207M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.79% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 180 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.34% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.44% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 7, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
LDRT vs VYM Performance
iShares iBonds 1-5 Year Treasury Ladder ETF (LDRT) 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 LDRT returned +2.44% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, LDRT is up 0.34% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 1.7% for LDRT. 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 -1.4% for LDRT 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 0.22. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LDRT charges 0.07% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $7 vs $4 annually, a gap of $3 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LDRT currently yields 3.79% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
LDRT and VYM share 0 holdings out of 563 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, LDRT or VYM?
LDRT has an expense ratio of 0.07% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $3 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LDRT or VYM?
Over the past year LDRT returned +2.44% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), LDRT annualized +3.67% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LDRT or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.7% for LDRT. Worst drawdown: LDRT -1.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both LDRT and VYM?
LDRT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.22, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LDRT and VYM?
LDRT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 563 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LDRT or VYM?
LDRT yields 3.79% while VYM yields 2.86%, so LDRT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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