SHYM vs VOO
iShares Short Duration High Yield Muni Active ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 509 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SHYM | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $814M | $997.4B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.34% | 1.08% | |
| Holdings | 421 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -0.47% | +13.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.00% | +21.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.67% | +22.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.73% | +13.42% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.4% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 16, 2021 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SHYM vs VOO Performance
iShares Short Duration High Yield Muni Active ETF (SHYM) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SHYM returned +2.00% while VOO returned +21.62%. Year to date, SHYM is down 0.47% versus a gain of 13.20% for VOO.
Over three years, SHYM compounded at +1.67% per year against +22.16% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are -3.73% and +13.42% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.51% annualized vs -2.35%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.1% compared with 9.0% for SHYM. 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 -26.4% for SHYM and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SHYM charges 0.40% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SHYM currently yields 4.34% against 1.08% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
SHYM and VOO share 0 holdings out of 619 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, SHYM or VOO?
SHYM has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SHYM or VOO?
Over the past year SHYM returned +2.00% vs +21.62% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SHYM annualized -2.35% vs +13.51% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SHYM or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.1% annualized versus 9.0% for SHYM. Worst drawdown: SHYM -26.4% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SHYM and VOO?
SHYM and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SHYM and VOO?
SHYM and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 619 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SHYM or VOO?
SHYM yields 4.34% while VOO yields 1.08%, so SHYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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