IEF vs VYM
iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, IEF or VYM?
Long Term Government Bond against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEF | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.15% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $41.5B | $78.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.14% | 2.37% |
| Holdings | 18 | 608 |
| YTD Return | -3.80% | +11.83%Best |
| 1Y Return | -4.02% | +15.96%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +3.86% | +18.60%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.65% | +11.51%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.7%Best | 14.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -23.9%Best | -58.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,202 | $17,241Best |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | Long Term Government Bond | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jul 22, 2002 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 16, 2006 to Oct 14, 2026 (19.9 years).
IEF vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 19.9 years both funds cover.
IEF vs VYM Performance
iShares 7-10 Year Treasury Bond ETF (IEF) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IEF returned -4.02% while VYM returned +15.96%. Year to date, IEF is down 3.80% versus a gain of 11.83% for VYM.
Over three years, IEF compounded at +3.86% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.65% and +11.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.82% annualized vs +3.07%.
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 6.7% for IEF. 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 -23.9% for IEF and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.06. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEF charges 0.15% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $15 vs $4 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEF currently yields 4.14% against 2.37% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 12 holdings in IEF and 602 in VYM, totalling 68.4% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 12 positions we hold weights for in IEF and 602 in VYM, against full books of 18 and 608.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IEF and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IEF or VYM?
IEF has an expense ratio of 0.15% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $11 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IEF or VYM?
Over the past year IEF returned -4.02% vs +15.96% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IEF annualized +3.07% vs +6.82% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IEF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.7% for IEF. Worst drawdown: IEF -23.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IEF and VYM?
IEF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.06, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEF or VYM?
IEF yields 4.14% while VYM yields 2.37%, so IEF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than IEF?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.