HYT vs VYM
HYT vs VYM
Blackrock Corporate High Yield Fund Inc. vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. HYT offers more diversification with 717 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.17% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 1,211 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.21% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | -5.42% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.05% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.76% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 30, 2003 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HYT vs VYM Performance
Blackrock Corporate High Yield Fund Inc. (HYT) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HYT returned -5.42% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, HYT is up 1.21% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, HYT compounded at +8.05% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.76% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs -0.22%. 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 HYT. 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 -67.6% for HYT 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYT charges 3.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $335 vs $4 annually, a gap of $331 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYT currently yields 10.17% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HYT and VYM share 3 holdings out of 1272 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HYT or VYM?
HYT has an expense ratio of 3.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $331 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYT or VYM?
Over the past year HYT returned -5.42% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), HYT annualized -0.22% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYT or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.0% for HYT. Worst drawdown: HYT -67.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HYT and VYM?
HYT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between HYT and VYM?
HYT and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1272 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYT or VYM?
HYT yields 10.17% while VYM yields 2.86%, so HYT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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