SIZE vs VYM
iShares MSCI USA Size Factor 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 | SIZE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $448M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.36% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 533 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.20% | +15.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.85% | +22.36% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.90% | +19.06% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.40% | +12.20% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 16, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SIZE vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI USA Size Factor ETF (SIZE) 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 SIZE returned +17.85% while VYM returned +22.36%. Year to date, SIZE is up 14.20% versus a gain of 15.42% for VYM.
Over three years, SIZE compounded at +16.90% per year against +19.06% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.40% and +12.20% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, SIZE has the edge at +10.93% annualized vs +7.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SIZE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -39.1% for SIZE 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SIZE charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SIZE currently yields 1.36% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SIZE and VYM share 219 holdings out of 891 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SIZE or VYM?
SIZE has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SIZE or VYM?
Over the past year SIZE returned +17.85% vs +22.36% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SIZE annualized +10.93% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SIZE or VYM?
SIZE has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SIZE -39.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SIZE and VYM?
SIZE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between SIZE and VYM?
SIZE and VYM share 219 common holdings with a 30.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 891 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SIZE or VYM?
SIZE yields 1.36% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.