TLH vs VYM
iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond 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 | TLH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $11.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.44% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 61 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -2.74% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | -0.61% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +1.44% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -5.08% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 5, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
TLH vs VYM Performance
iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLH) 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 TLH returned -0.61% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, TLH is down 2.74% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, TLH compounded at +1.44% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -5.08% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +0.74%. 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 9.9% for TLH. 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 -42.1% for TLH 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 -0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TLH 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, TLH currently yields 4.44% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
TLH and VYM share 0 holdings out of 615 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, TLH or VYM?
TLH 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, TLH or VYM?
Over the past year TLH returned -0.61% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), TLH annualized +0.74% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TLH or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.9% for TLH. Worst drawdown: TLH -42.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both TLH and VYM?
TLH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TLH and VYM?
TLH and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 615 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TLH or VYM?
TLH yields 4.44% while VYM yields 2.86%, so TLH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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