HYGH vs VTI
HYGH vs VTI
iShares Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYGH | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.52% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $595M | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.61% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 177 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.77% | +10.14% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.85% | +19.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +9.04% | +18.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.11% | +11.79% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.8% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.0% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 27, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
HYGH vs VTI Performance
iShares Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond ETF (HYGH) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HYGH returned +6.85% while VTI returned +19.82%. Year to date, HYGH is up 3.77% versus a gain of 10.14% for VTI.
Over three years, HYGH compounded at +9.04% per year against +18.94% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +7.11% and +11.79% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +7.99% annualized vs +1.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 6.8% for HYGH. 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 -33.0% for HYGH and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYGH charges 0.52% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $52 vs $3 annually, a gap of $49 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYGH currently yields 6.61% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
HYGH and VTI share 1 holdings out of 3649 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in HYGH | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| THC | 0.15% | 0.02% | 0.13% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HYGH or VTI?
HYGH has an expense ratio of 0.52% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $49 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYGH or VTI?
Over the past year HYGH returned +6.85% vs +19.82% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), HYGH annualized +1.86% vs +7.99% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYGH or VTI?
VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 6.8% for HYGH. Worst drawdown: HYGH -33.0% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both HYGH and VTI?
HYGH and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYGH and VTI?
HYGH and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3649 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYGH or VTI?
HYGH yields 6.61% while VTI yields 1.07%, so HYGH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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