PICK vs VYM
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. PICK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PICK | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.26% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 288 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +21.54% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.13% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.08% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.11% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PICK vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Global Metals & Mining Producers ETF (PICK) 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 PICK returned +65.13% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, PICK is up 21.54% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, PICK compounded at +19.08% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.11% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +5.51%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PICK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.2% 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 -80.4% for PICK 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PICK charges 0.39% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $4 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PICK currently yields 2.26% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PICK and VYM share 5 holdings out of 802 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PICK or VYM?
PICK has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PICK or VYM?
Over the past year PICK returned +65.13% vs +26.12% for VYM, so PICK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), PICK annualized +5.51% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PICK or VYM?
PICK has been the more volatile fund at 27.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PICK -80.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PICK and VYM?
PICK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PICK and VYM?
PICK and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 802 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PICK or VYM?
PICK yields 2.26% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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