HYXF vs VYM
HYXF vs VYM
iShares ESG Advanced 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. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYXF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $194M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.07% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 610 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.24% | +15.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.08% | +25.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.24% | +17.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.46% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 14, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HYXF vs VYM Performance
iShares ESG Advanced High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYXF) 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 HYXF returned +4.08% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, HYXF is up 1.24% versus a gain of 15.20% for VYM.
Over three years, HYXF compounded at +8.24% per year against +17.86% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.46% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +2.41%. 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 6.7% for HYXF. 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 -19.1% for HYXF 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
HYXF charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYXF currently yields 6.07% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HYXF and VYM share 0 holdings out of 1075 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, HYXF or VYM?
HYXF has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYXF or VYM?
Over the past year HYXF returned +4.08% vs +25.56% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), HYXF annualized +2.41% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYXF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.7% for HYXF. Worst drawdown: HYXF -19.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HYXF and VYM?
HYXF 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 HYXF and VYM?
HYXF and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1075 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYXF or VYM?
HYXF yields 6.07% while VYM yields 2.86%, so HYXF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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