IWR vs VYM
IWR vs VYM
iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWR offers more diversification with 798 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $56.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.15% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 831 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +16.66% | +15.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.96% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.41% | +18.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.70% | +12.71% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 17, 2001 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IWR vs VYM Performance
iShares Russell Mid-Cap ETF (IWR) 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 IWR returned +21.96% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, IWR is up 16.66% versus a gain of 15.57% for VYM.
Over three years, IWR compounded at +16.41% per year against +18.02% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.70% and +12.71% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IWR has the edge at +8.78% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -59.7% for IWR 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWR 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, IWR currently yields 1.15% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IWR and VYM share 243 holdings out of 1113 unique holdings combined, representing a 20.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWR | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPC | 0.57% | 0.26% | 0.31% |
| PSX | 0.51% | 0.27% | 0.24% |
| KMI | 0.44% | 0.28% | 0.16% |
| ALL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| LHX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BKR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CAH | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| OKE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| F | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FAST | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWR 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, IWR or VYM?
IWR 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, IWR or VYM?
Over the past year IWR returned +21.96% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IWR annualized +8.78% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWR or VYM?
IWR has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IWR -59.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IWR and VYM?
IWR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, 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 IWR and VYM?
IWR and VYM share 243 common holdings with a 20.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1113 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWR or VYM?
IWR yields 1.15% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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