USXF vs VYM
iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. USXF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | USXF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.5B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.83% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 294 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +15.87% | +14.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.83% | +20.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.60% | +18.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.19% | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 16, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
USXF vs VYM Performance
iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA ETF (USXF) 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 USXF returned +21.83% while VYM returned +20.67%. Year to date, USXF is up 15.87% versus a gain of 14.18% for VYM.
Over three years, USXF compounded at +23.60% per year against +18.47% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.19% and +12.01% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, USXF has the edge at +18.07% annualized vs +6.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
USXF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% compared with 14.5% 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 -29.5% for USXF 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
USXF charges 0.10% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $4 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, USXF currently yields 0.83% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
USXF and VYM share 101 holdings out of 790 unique holdings combined, representing a 32.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, USXF or VYM?
USXF has an expense ratio of 0.10% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, USXF or VYM?
Over the past year USXF returned +21.83% vs +20.67% for VYM, so USXF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), USXF annualized +18.07% vs +6.97% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, USXF or VYM?
USXF has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: USXF -29.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both USXF and VYM?
USXF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between USXF and VYM?
USXF and VYM share 101 common holdings with a 32.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, USXF or VYM?
USXF yields 0.83% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM 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.