TOPT vs VYM
iShares Top 20 US Stocks 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 | TOPT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $658M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.38% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 25 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.52% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.51% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 23, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
TOPT vs VYM Performance
iShares Top 20 US Stocks ETF (TOPT) 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 TOPT returned +17.51% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, TOPT is up 8.52% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TOPT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.8% 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 -21.2% for TOPT 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
TOPT charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TOPT currently yields 0.38% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
TOPT and VYM share 6 holdings out of 574 unique holdings combined, representing a 15.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TOPT or VYM?
TOPT has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TOPT or VYM?
Over the past year TOPT returned +17.51% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), TOPT annualized +18.94% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TOPT or VYM?
TOPT has been the more volatile fund at 15.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: TOPT -21.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both TOPT and VYM?
TOPT 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 TOPT and VYM?
TOPT and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 15.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 574 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TOPT or VYM?
TOPT yields 0.38% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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