HYG vs VYM
HYG vs VYM
iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. HYG offers more diversification with 1089 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $15.9B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.90% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,331 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.27% | +13.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.26% | +24.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.08% | +17.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.59% | +12.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 4, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HYG vs VYM Performance
iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG) 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 HYG returned +4.26% while VYM returned +24.08%. Year to date, HYG is up 1.27% versus a gain of 13.82% for VYM.
Over three years, HYG compounded at +8.08% per year against +17.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.59% and +12.13% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +0.10%. 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 10.0% for HYG. 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 -41.9% for HYG 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYG charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYG currently yields 5.90% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HYG and VYM share 0 holdings out of 1647 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, HYG or VYM?
HYG has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYG or VYM?
Over the past year HYG returned +4.26% vs +24.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), HYG annualized +0.10% vs +6.98% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.0% for HYG. Worst drawdown: HYG -41.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HYG and VYM?
HYG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYG and VYM?
HYG and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1647 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYG or VYM?
HYG yields 5.90% while VYM yields 2.86%, so HYG currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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