SUSA vs VYM
iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA 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 | SUSA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.84% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 198 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.21% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.61% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.48% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.23% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -54.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 24, 2005 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SUSA vs VYM Performance
iShares ESG Optimized MSCI USA ETF (SUSA) 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 SUSA returned +22.61% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, SUSA is up 15.21% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, SUSA compounded at +20.48% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.23% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SUSA has the edge at +9.35% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SUSA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -54.9% for SUSA 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SUSA charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SUSA currently yields 0.84% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SUSA and VYM share 68 holdings out of 685 unique holdings combined, representing a 21.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SUSA or VYM?
SUSA has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SUSA or VYM?
Over the past year SUSA returned +22.61% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SUSA annualized +9.35% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SUSA or VYM?
SUSA has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SUSA -54.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SUSA and VYM?
SUSA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, 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 SUSA and VYM?
SUSA and VYM share 68 common holdings with a 21.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 685 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SUSA or VYM?
SUSA yields 0.84% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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