PMMF vs VYM
iShares Prime Money Market 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 | PMMF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $663M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.03% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 248 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +2.07% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.72% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 0.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -0.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Money Market | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 4, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PMMF vs VYM Performance
iShares Prime Money Market ETF (PMMF) 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 PMMF returned +3.72% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, PMMF is up 2.07% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 0.7% for PMMF. 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 -0.3% for PMMF 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 -0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PMMF charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PMMF currently yields 4.03% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PMMF and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 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, PMMF or VYM?
PMMF has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PMMF or VYM?
Over the past year PMMF returned +3.72% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), PMMF annualized +3.94% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PMMF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 0.7% for PMMF. Worst drawdown: PMMF -0.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PMMF and VYM?
PMMF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PMMF and VYM?
PMMF and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PMMF or VYM?
PMMF yields 4.03% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PMMF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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