URTH vs VYM
iShares MSCI World ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. URTH offers more diversification with 1,310 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | URTH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $8.4B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.40% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,310 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.85% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.97% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.13% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.40% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -34.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 10, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
URTH vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI World ETF (URTH) 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 URTH returned +21.97% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, URTH is up 12.85% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, URTH compounded at +21.13% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.40% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, URTH has the edge at +10.84% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 14.0% for URTH. 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 -34.0% for URTH 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
URTH charges 0.24% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $4 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, URTH currently yields 1.40% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
URTH and VYM share 207 holdings out of 1449 unique holdings combined, representing a 23.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, URTH or VYM?
URTH has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, URTH or VYM?
Over the past year URTH returned +21.97% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), URTH annualized +10.84% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, URTH or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.0% for URTH. Worst drawdown: URTH -34.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both URTH and VYM?
URTH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between URTH and VYM?
URTH and VYM share 207 common holdings with a 23.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1449 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, URTH or VYM?
URTH yields 1.40% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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