SHYM vs VTI
iShares Short Duration High Yield Muni Active ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SHYM | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $799M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.28% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 421 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -0.18% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.16% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.19% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.69% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.0% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -26.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 16, 2021 | May 24, 2001 |
SHYM vs VTI Performance
iShares Short Duration High Yield Muni Active ETF (SHYM) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SHYM returned +2.16% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SHYM is down 0.18% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, SHYM compounded at +1.19% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are -3.69% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs -2.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI 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 4.28% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SHYM and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2897 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 VTI?
SHYM has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SHYM or VTI?
Over the past year SHYM returned +2.16% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), SHYM annualized -2.30% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SHYM or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 9.0% for SHYM. Worst drawdown: SHYM -26.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SHYM and VTI?
SHYM and VTI 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 VTI?
SHYM and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2897 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SHYM or VTI?
SHYM yields 4.28% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SHYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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