MTUM vs VYM
iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MTUM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MTUM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $25.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.54% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +25.16% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.10% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.47% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.03% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MTUM vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (MTUM) 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 MTUM returned +29.10% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, MTUM is up 25.16% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, MTUM compounded at +30.47% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.03% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, MTUM has the edge at +15.18% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MTUM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.7% 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 -34.1% for MTUM 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MTUM charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MTUM currently yields 0.54% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MTUM and VYM share 58 holdings out of 627 unique holdings combined, representing a 31.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MTUM or VYM?
MTUM has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MTUM or VYM?
Over the past year MTUM returned +29.10% vs +24.43% for VYM, so MTUM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), MTUM annualized +15.18% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MTUM or VYM?
MTUM has been the more volatile fund at 16.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MTUM -34.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MTUM and VYM?
MTUM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MTUM and VYM?
MTUM and VYM share 58 common holdings with a 31.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 627 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MTUM or VYM?
MTUM yields 0.54% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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