IWX vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. IWX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: IWXMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIWXVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.20%0.04%
AUM$3.9B$79.0B
Dividend Yield1.46%2.86%
Holdings156568
YTD Return+21.98%+15.45%
1Y Return+35.96%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)+19.86%+17.96%
5Y Return (annualized)+12.97%+12.54%
Volatility (annualized)13.9%14.6%
Max Drawdown-35.8%-58.8%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionSep 22, 2009Nov 10, 2006

IWX vs VYM Performance

iShares Russell Top 200 Value ETF (IWX) 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 IWX returned +35.96% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, IWX is up 21.98% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.

Over three years, IWX compounded at +19.86% per year against +17.96% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.97% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IWX has the edge at +10.01% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.9% for IWX. 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 -35.8% for IWX 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 0.97. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IWX charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IWX currently yields 1.46% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

50.6%overlap

IWX and VYM share 87 holdings out of 624 unique holdings combined, representing a 50.6% weight overlap.

High overlap means holding both may not provide much additional diversification.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in IWXWeight in VYMDifference
JPM3.46%3.36%0.10%
JNJ2.40%2.62%0.22%
XOM2.18%2.83%0.65%
WMTProProPro
ABBVProProPro
CSCOProProPro
PGProProPro
BACProProPro
CVXProProPro
UNHProProPro
See all 10 holdings IWX shares with VYM
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IWX or VYM?

IWX has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IWX or VYM?

Over the past year IWX returned +35.96% vs +26.05% for VYM, so IWX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IWX annualized +10.01% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IWX or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.9% for IWX. Worst drawdown: IWX -35.8% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both IWX and VYM?

IWX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.97, 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 IWX and VYM?

IWX and VYM share 87 common holdings with a 50.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 624 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, IWX or VYM?

IWX yields 1.46% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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