USMV vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

USMV (iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - USMV is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, USMV returned 9.93%/yr vs 11.90%/yr for VYM. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. USMV charges 0.15%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

USMV vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, USMV achieves a 2.65% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 12.47% return. Over the past 10 years, USMV has underperformed VYM with an annualized return of 9.93%, while VYM has yielded a comparatively higher 11.90% annualized return.

USMV

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: 2.01%
• YTD: 2.65%
• 6M: 2.61%
• 1Y: 4.37%
• 3Y*: 11.79%
• 5Y*: 7.45%
• 10Y*: 9.93%

VYM

• 1D: -0.43%
• 1M: 3.38%
• YTD: 12.47%
• 6M: 12.01%
• 1Y: 26.16%
• 3Y*: 18.88%
• 5Y*: 11.48%
• 10Y*: 11.90%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

USMV vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	2.65%	7.65%	15.74%	10.33%	-9.43%	20.85%	5.64%	27.69%	1.33%	18.91%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	12.47%	15.42%	17.60%	6.57%	-0.43%	26.20%	1.15%	24.06%	-5.92%	16.42%

Correlation

The correlation between USMV and VYM is 0.70, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.70
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.80
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.82
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 21, 2011	0.84

The correlation between USMV and VYM shifts across timeframes, from 0.70 (1 year) to 0.84 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

USMV vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	USMV	VYM
Technology	30.8%	17.7%
Healthcare	12.5%	12.2%
Financial Services	12.4%	20.5%
Consumer Defensive	10.0%	8.1%
Utilities	7.5%	5.7%
Communication Services	5.9%	3.5%
Industrials	5.7%	12.1%
Consumer Cyclical	5.7%	6.7%
Energy	3.6%	9.8%
Basic Materials	2.2%	3.5%
Real Estate	2.2%	0.0%

Return for Risk

USMV vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

USMV

USMV Risk / Return Rank: 17
USMV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
USMV Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
USMV Omega Ratio Rank: 15
USMV Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
USMV Martin Ratio Rank: 19

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 77
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 76
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 75

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

USMV vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	USMV	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.52	2.56	-2.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.79	3.65	-2.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.46	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.68	3.93	-3.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.27	14.76	-12.49
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

USMV vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current USMV Sharpe Ratio is 0.52, which is lower than the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of USMV and VYM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	USMV	VYM	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.52	2.56	-2.05
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.61	0.83	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.69	0.73	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.87	0.51	+0.36

Drawdowns

USMV vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum USMV drawdown since its inception was -33.10%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for USMV and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	USMV	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.10%	-56.98%	+23.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-6.46%	-6.69%	+0.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-9.36%	-14.46%	+5.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-17.93%	-15.84%	-2.09%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.10%	-35.21%	+2.11%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.18%	-0.43%	-0.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.88%	-7.19%	+4.31%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.93%	1.78%	+0.15%

Volatility

USMV vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF (USMV) is 2.38%, while Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) has a volatility of 2.77%. This indicates that USMV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	USMV	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.38%	2.77%	-0.39%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	5.91%	7.67%	-1.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	8.50%	10.28%	-1.78%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	12.35%	13.96%	-1.61%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.51%	16.34%	-1.83%

USMV vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

USMV has a 0.15% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

USMV vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

USMV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.53%, less than VYM's 2.19% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
USMV iShares MSCI USA Min Vol Factor ETF	1.53%	1.49%	1.67%	1.82%	1.62%	1.26%	1.81%	1.88%	2.12%	1.77%	2.22%	2.02%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.19%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both USMV and VYM in my portfolio?

USMV and VYM have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, USMV or VYM?

VYM has higher volatility (2.77%) compared to USMV (2.38%). In terms of maximum drawdown, USMV dropped -33.10% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, USMV or VYM?

On 10-year performance, VYM leads with 11.90% vs 9.93% for USMV. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, USMV has been the lower-risk option at 2.38%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, USMV or VYM?

Over the 10-year period, VYM has performed better with a 11.90% return vs 9.93%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, USMV or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.15% for USMV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, USMV or VYM?

VYM has the higher dividend yield at 2.19%, compared with 1.53% for USMV.

What is the main difference between USMV and VYM?

USMV is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while VYM is Dividend. USMV tracks MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index, while VYM tracks FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.15% for USMV and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.56 vs 0.52), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.