IFRA vs VYM
IFRA vs VYM
iShares US Infrastructure 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 | IFRA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.6B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.54% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 168 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +14.98% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.95% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.80% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.32% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 3, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IFRA vs VYM Performance
iShares US Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) 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 IFRA returned +21.95% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, IFRA is up 14.98% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, IFRA compounded at +17.80% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.32% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, IFRA has the edge at +12.29% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IFRA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -41.1% for IFRA 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 0.91. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IFRA charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IFRA currently yields 1.54% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IFRA and VYM share 68 holdings out of 652 unique holdings combined, representing a 9.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IFRA | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CAT | 4.12% | 1.51% | 2.61% |
| NEE | 4.03% | 0.86% | 3.17% |
| UNP | 4.16% | 0.70% | 3.46% |
| SO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| DUK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NSC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KMI | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| NUE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IFRA shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IFRA or VYM?
IFRA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IFRA or VYM?
Over the past year IFRA returned +21.95% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), IFRA annualized +12.29% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IFRA or VYM?
IFRA has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IFRA -41.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IFRA and VYM?
IFRA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.91, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between IFRA and VYM?
IFRA and VYM share 68 common holdings with a 9.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 652 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFRA or VYM?
IFRA yields 1.54% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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