ILCG vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: TiedHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricILCGVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.04%0.04%
AUM$3.1B$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.41%2.86%
Holdings331568
YTD Return+12.64%+15.57%
1Y Return+17.11%+25.99%
3Y Return (annualized)+24.02%+18.02%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.37%+12.71%
Volatility (annualized)16.9%14.6%
Max Drawdown-53.2%-58.8%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 28, 2004Nov 10, 2006

ILCG vs VYM Performance

iShares Morningstar Growth ETF (ILCG) 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 ILCG returned +17.11% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, ILCG is up 12.64% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.

Over three years, ILCG compounded at +24.02% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.37% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, ILCG has the edge at +11.06% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ILCG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -53.2% for ILCG 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 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ILCG charges 0.04% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $4 annually. On income, ILCG currently yields 0.41% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

14.2%overlap

ILCG and VYM share 78 holdings out of 806 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in ILCGWeight in VYMDifference
AVGO5.36%6.47%1.11%
WMT0.59%2.44%1.85%
CAT0.75%1.51%0.76%
TXNProProPro
ADIProProPro
STXProProPro
GLWProProPro
ETNProProPro
JCIProProPro
SBUXProProPro
See all 10 holdings ILCG 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, ILCG or VYM?

ILCG has an expense ratio of 0.04% while VYM charges 0.04%. They cost the same. On a $10,000 investment, that is $0 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ILCG or VYM?

Over the past year ILCG returned +17.11% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), ILCG annualized +11.06% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ILCG or VYM?

ILCG has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ILCG -53.2% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both ILCG and VYM?

ILCG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ILCG and VYM?

ILCG and VYM share 78 common holdings with a 14.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 806 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, ILCG or VYM?

ILCG yields 0.41% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.

See inside every ETF you own
$29/moCancel anytime.
Try FundXLS →