IXG vs VYM
IXG vs VYM
iShares Global Financials 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 | IXG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.41% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $674M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.27% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 247 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.44% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +25.12% | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.73% | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2001 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IXG vs VYM Performance
iShares Global Financials ETF (IXG) 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 IXG returned +24.44% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, IXG is up 12.28% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Over three years, IXG compounded at +25.12% per year against +17.96% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +14.73% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +4.57%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IXG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% 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 -80.0% for IXG 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IXG charges 0.41% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $41 vs $4 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IXG currently yields 2.27% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IXG and VYM share 43 holdings out of 737 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IXG | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| JPM | 5.84% | 3.36% | 2.48% |
| BAC | 2.52% | 1.39% | 1.13% |
| GS | 2.01% | 1.05% | 0.96% |
| WFC | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| MS | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| C | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| BLK | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| PGR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CB | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| CME | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings IXG 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, IXG or VYM?
IXG has an expense ratio of 0.41% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IXG or VYM?
Over the past year IXG returned +24.44% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IXG annualized +4.57% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IXG or VYM?
IXG has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IXG -80.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IXG and VYM?
IXG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IXG and VYM?
IXG and VYM share 43 common holdings with a 16.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 737 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IXG or VYM?
IXG yields 2.27% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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