IWS vs VYM
IWS vs VYM
iShares Russell Mid-cap Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. IWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. IWS offers more diversification with 698 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IWS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.23% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $15.6B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.32% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 724 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +19.84% | +15.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.74% | +25.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.35% | +17.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.63% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 17, 2001 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IWS vs VYM Performance
iShares Russell Mid-cap Value ETF (IWS) 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 IWS returned +27.74% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, IWS is up 19.84% versus a gain of 15.20% for VYM.
Over three years, IWS compounded at +16.35% per year against +17.86% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.63% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, IWS has the edge at +8.25% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -63.9% for IWS 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IWS charges 0.23% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $23 vs $4 annually, a gap of $19 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWS currently yields 1.32% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IWS and VYM share 235 holdings out of 1021 unique holdings combined, representing a 18.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IWS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSX | 0.65% | 0.27% | 0.38% |
| KMI | 0.60% | 0.28% | 0.32% |
| ALL | 0.62% | 0.25% | 0.37% |
| LHX | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BKR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| OKE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| F | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ETR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| FITB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| XEL | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IWS 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, IWS or VYM?
IWS has an expense ratio of 0.23% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $19 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IWS or VYM?
Over the past year IWS returned +27.74% vs +25.56% for VYM, so IWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IWS annualized +8.25% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IWS or VYM?
IWS has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IWS -63.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IWS and VYM?
IWS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, 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 IWS and VYM?
IWS and VYM share 235 common holdings with a 18.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1021 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IWS or VYM?
IWS yields 1.32% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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