LQDH vs VYM
LQDH vs VYM
iShares Interest Rate Hedged Corporate Bond 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 | LQDH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.24% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $526M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.96% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 185 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.83% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.31% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.11% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.19% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -28.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | May 27, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
LQDH vs VYM Performance
iShares Interest Rate Hedged Corporate Bond ETF (LQDH) 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 LQDH returned +5.31% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, LQDH is up 1.83% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, LQDH compounded at +7.11% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.19% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +1.77%. 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 5.3% for LQDH. 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 -28.2% for LQDH 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LQDH charges 0.24% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $24 vs $4 annually, a gap of $20 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, LQDH currently yields 5.96% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
LQDH and VYM share 0 holdings out of 560 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, LQDH or VYM?
LQDH has an expense ratio of 0.24% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $20 per year of difference.
Which performed better, LQDH or VYM?
Over the past year LQDH returned +5.31% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), LQDH annualized +1.77% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, LQDH or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 5.3% for LQDH. Worst drawdown: LQDH -28.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both LQDH and VYM?
LQDH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between LQDH and VYM?
LQDH and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, LQDH or VYM?
LQDH yields 5.96% while VYM yields 2.86%, so LQDH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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