IWF vs VYM
IWF vs VYM
iShares Russell 1000 Growth 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 | IWF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $120.5B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.35% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 372 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.83% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.10% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.28% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.66% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 22, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IWF vs VYM Performance
iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (IWF) 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 IWF returned +13.10% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, IWF is up 5.83% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, IWF compounded at +22.28% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.66% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IWF has the edge at +7.46% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -66.8% for IWF 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWF charges 0.18% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $18 vs $4 annually, a gap of $14 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWF currently yields 0.35% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IWF and VYM share 70 holdings out of 857 unique holdings combined, representing a 12.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWF | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| AVGO | 5.21% | 6.47% | 1.26% |
| CAT | 1.32% | 1.51% | 0.19% |
| WMT | 0.12% | 2.44% | 2.32% |
| HD | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ABBV | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TXN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| KO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BAC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AMGN | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWF 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, IWF or VYM?
IWF has an expense ratio of 0.18% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $14 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWF or VYM?
Over the past year IWF returned +13.10% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IWF annualized +7.46% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWF or VYM?
IWF has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IWF -66.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IWF and VYM?
IWF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IWF and VYM?
IWF and VYM share 70 common holdings with a 12.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 857 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWF or VYM?
IWF yields 0.35% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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