SUSC vs VYM
iShares ESG Aware USD Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SUSC offers more diversification with 1637 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SUSC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.48% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3,990 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.92% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.55% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.20% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.11% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 11, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SUSC vs VYM Performance
iShares ESG Aware USD Corporate Bond ETF (SUSC) 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 SUSC returned +1.55% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SUSC is down 0.92% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, SUSC compounded at +5.20% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.11% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +1.02%. 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 7.1% for SUSC. 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 -22.6% for SUSC 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 0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SUSC charges 0.18% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $4 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SUSC currently yields 4.48% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SUSC and VYM share 1 holdings out of 2194 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 SUSC | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HUBB | 0.00% | 0.12% | 0.12% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SUSC or VYM?
SUSC has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SUSC or VYM?
Over the past year SUSC returned +1.55% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), SUSC annualized +1.02% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SUSC or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.1% for SUSC. Worst drawdown: SUSC -22.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SUSC and VYM?
SUSC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SUSC and VYM?
SUSC and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2194 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SUSC or VYM?
SUSC yields 4.48% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SUSC currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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