POWR vs VYM
iShares US Power Infrastructure 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | POWR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $463M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.79% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 81 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +13.78% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.14% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.50% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.93% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
POWR vs VYM Performance
iShares US Power Infrastructure ETF (POWR) 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 POWR returned +19.14% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, POWR is up 13.78% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, POWR compounded at +8.50% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +16.93% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +2.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
POWR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.8% 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 -72.1% for POWR 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
POWR 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, POWR currently yields 5.79% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
POWR and VYM share 37 holdings out of 634 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, POWR or VYM?
POWR 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, POWR or VYM?
Over the past year POWR returned +19.14% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), POWR annualized +2.22% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, POWR or VYM?
POWR has been the more volatile fund at 22.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: POWR -72.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both POWR and VYM?
POWR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between POWR and VYM?
POWR and VYM share 37 common holdings with a 5.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 634 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, POWR or VYM?
POWR yields 5.79% while VYM yields 2.24%, so POWR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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