IHY vs VOO
IHY vs VOO
VanEck International High Yield Bond vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. VOO delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IHY | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $43M | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.68% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 591 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | +1.18% | +9.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.78% | +19.58% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +8.06% | +19.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.87% | +12.89% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.7% | 14.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.1% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 2, 2012 | Sep 7, 2010 |
IHY vs VOO Performance
VanEck International High Yield Bond (IHY) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IHY returned +4.78% while VOO returned +19.58%. Year to date, IHY is up 1.18% versus a gain of 9.95% for VOO.
Over three years, IHY compounded at +8.06% per year against +19.43% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +1.87% and +12.89% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.35% annualized vs +0.76%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VOO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.2% compared with 8.7% for IHY. 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 -32.1% for IHY and -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IHY charges 0.40% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $3 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IHY currently yields 5.68% against 1.09% for VOO.
Holdings Overlap
IHY and VOO share 0 holdings out of 817 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, IHY or VOO?
IHY has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IHY or VOO?
Over the past year IHY returned +4.78% vs +19.58% for VOO, so VOO leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IHY annualized +0.76% vs +13.35% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IHY or VOO?
VOO has been the more volatile fund at 14.2% annualized versus 8.7% for IHY. Worst drawdown: IHY -32.1% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both IHY and VOO?
IHY and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IHY and VOO?
IHY and VOO share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 817 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IHY or VOO?
IHY yields 5.68% while VOO yields 1.09%, so IHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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