ICSH vs VYM
ICSH vs VYM
iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active 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 | ICSH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.08% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $8.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.33% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 377 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -0.28% | +15.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.22% | +25.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.11% | +17.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.23% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 11, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ICSH vs VYM Performance
iShares Ultra Short Duration Bond Active ETF (ICSH) 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 ICSH returned +1.22% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, ICSH is down 0.28% versus a gain of 15.20% for VYM.
Over three years, ICSH compounded at +4.11% per year against +17.86% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.23% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +2.10%. 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 10.3% for ICSH. 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 -23.3% for ICSH 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 0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICSH charges 0.08% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $8 vs $4 annually, a gap of $4 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICSH currently yields 4.33% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ICSH and VYM share 0 holdings out of 687 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, ICSH or VYM?
ICSH has an expense ratio of 0.08% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $4 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICSH or VYM?
Over the past year ICSH returned +1.22% vs +25.56% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), ICSH annualized +2.10% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICSH or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.3% for ICSH. Worst drawdown: ICSH -23.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ICSH and VYM?
ICSH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ICSH and VYM?
ICSH and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 687 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICSH or VYM?
ICSH yields 4.33% while VYM yields 2.86%, so ICSH 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.