SUSB vs VYM
iShares ESG Aware 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SUSB offers more diversification with 1132 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SUSB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.49% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,665 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.58% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +2.81% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.50% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.31% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SUSB vs VYM Performance
iShares ESG Aware 1-5 Year USD Corporate Bond ETF (SUSB) 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 SUSB returned +2.81% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SUSB is up 0.58% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, SUSB compounded at +5.50% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +2.31% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +1.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.0% for SUSB. 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 -13.3% for SUSB 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SUSB charges 0.12% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $4 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SUSB currently yields 4.49% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SUSB and VYM share 1 holdings out of 1689 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SUSB | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDP | 0.03% | 0.17% | 0.14% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SUSB or VYM?
SUSB has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SUSB or VYM?
Over the past year SUSB returned +2.81% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SUSB annualized +1.70% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SUSB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.0% for SUSB. Worst drawdown: SUSB -13.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SUSB and VYM?
SUSB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SUSB and VYM?
SUSB and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1689 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SUSB or VYM?
SUSB yields 4.49% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SUSB 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.