NEAR vs VYM
iShares Short Duration Bond Active ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. NEAR offers more diversification with 1,622 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NEAR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.9B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.43% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,622 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -1.11% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.41% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.37% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.37% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 25, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NEAR vs VYM Performance
iShares Short Duration Bond Active ETF (NEAR) 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 NEAR returned +0.41% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, NEAR is down 1.11% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, NEAR compounded at +4.37% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.37% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +2.20%. 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 1.6% for NEAR. 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 -9.6% for NEAR 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NEAR charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NEAR currently yields 4.43% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NEAR and VYM share 1 holdings out of 1430 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in NEAR | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TMUS | 0.13% | 0.34% | 0.21% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, NEAR or VYM?
NEAR has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NEAR or VYM?
Over the past year NEAR returned +0.41% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), NEAR annualized +2.20% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NEAR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.6% for NEAR. Worst drawdown: NEAR -9.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NEAR and VYM?
NEAR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NEAR and VYM?
NEAR and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1430 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NEAR or VYM?
NEAR yields 4.43% while VYM yields 2.24%, so NEAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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