IHY vs VYM
IHY vs VYM
VanEck International High Yield Bond 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 | IHY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.40% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $43M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.68% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 591 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +0.74% | +13.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.54% | +24.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.94% | +17.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.74% | +12.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 2, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IHY vs VYM Performance
VanEck International High Yield Bond (IHY) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IHY returned +3.54% while VYM returned +24.08%. Year to date, IHY is up 0.74% versus a gain of 13.82% for VYM.
Over three years, IHY compounded at +7.94% per year against +17.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.74% and +12.13% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.98% annualized vs +0.73%. 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 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 -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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IHY charges 0.40% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $40 vs $4 annually, a gap of $36 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IHY currently yields 5.68% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IHY and VYM share 0 holdings out of 870 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 VYM?
IHY has an expense ratio of 0.40% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $36 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IHY or VYM?
Over the past year IHY returned +3.54% vs +24.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), IHY annualized +0.73% vs +6.98% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IHY or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 8.7% for IHY. Worst drawdown: IHY -32.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IHY and VYM?
IHY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IHY and VYM?
IHY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 870 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IHY or VYM?
IHY yields 5.68% while VYM yields 2.86%, so IHY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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