ITOT vs VYM
ITOT vs VYM
iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
ITOT has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. ITOT offers more diversification with 1628 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ITOT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $93.5B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 2,502 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.22% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.76% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.96% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.79% | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 20, 2004 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ITOT vs VYM Performance
iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF (ITOT) 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 ITOT returned +19.76% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, ITOT is up 10.22% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Over three years, ITOT compounded at +18.96% per year against +16.97% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.79% and +12.26% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, ITOT has the edge at +9.06% annualized vs +6.96%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ITOT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -56.3% for ITOT 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 0.92. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ITOT charges 0.03% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $4 annually, a gap of $1 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ITOT currently yields 1.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ITOT and VYM share 384 holdings out of 1802 unique holdings combined, representing a 30.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ITOT | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 2.41% | 6.47% | 4.06% |
| JPM | 1.23% | 3.36% | 2.13% |
| XOM | 0.77% | 2.83% | 2.06% |
| JNJ | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| WMT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PG | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAT | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CSCO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings ITOT 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, ITOT or VYM?
ITOT has an expense ratio of 0.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. ITOT is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $1 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ITOT or VYM?
Over the past year ITOT returned +19.76% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), ITOT annualized +9.06% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ITOT or VYM?
ITOT has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ITOT -56.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ITOT and VYM?
ITOT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.92, 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 ITOT and VYM?
ITOT and VYM share 384 common holdings with a 30.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1802 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ITOT or VYM?
ITOT yields 1.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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