VAWvsIYMETF Comparison
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Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) and iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM) belong to the same industry segment: US Materials. VAW's top 3 sector exposures are Non-Energy Materials, Energy and Industrials. In contrast, IYM's top sector exposures are Non-Energy Materials, Industrials and Non-Corporate. VAW is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.09%, versus 0.37% for IYM. VAW is up 10.48% year-to-date (YTD) with -$146M in YTD flows. IYM performs better with 21.45% YTD performance, and +$387M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of VAW and IYM below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
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VAW vs IYM performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
Historic performance and flows
Data as of 09/10/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VAW IYM | -4.34%-2.55% | +2.31%+4.61% | +10.48%+21.45% | +12.31%+27.35% | +33.17%+48.31% | +35.43%+54.88% |
| Flows | VAW IYM | -$18M+$204M | -$43M-$47M | -$146M+$387M | -$162M+$468M | -$667M+$277M | -$1.33B+$12M |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VAW IYM | +19.31%+20.37% | +19.02%+20.57% | +18.08%+18.68% | +19.88%+20.58% |
| Max drawdown | VAW IYM | -6.63%-8.61% | -13.41%-13.67% | -23.20%-23.58% | -25.44%-29.91% |
| Max drawdown duration | VAW IYM | 52d52d | 193d102d | 430d352d | 679d709d |
Trading data
VAW | IYM | |
Last sale 9/11/2026 at 1:30 PM | $228.45 | $186.56 |
| Previous close 09/10/2026 | $227.71 | $186.03 |
| Consolidated volume 09/10/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of August 31, 2026
1-year trailing difference
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VAW | IYM | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
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Main metrics
Last update 9/11/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
VAW | IYM | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $228.45 | $186.56 |
| 1D performance | +0.32% | +0.28% |
| AuM | $2.95 B | $1.20 B |
| E/R | 0.09% | 0.37% |
Characteristics
VAW | IYM | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Passive | Passive |
| Provider | Vanguard | iShares |
| Benchmark | MSCI US IMI Materials 25/50 Index | Russell 1000 Basic Materials RIC 22.5/45 Capped Gross Index |
| N° of holdings | 110 | 40 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | January 26, 2004 | June 12, 2000 |
| ESG | No | No |
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Exposure
Countries
VAW
USA
79.91%
United Kingdom
16.17%
Other
3.92%
IYM
USA
77.14%
United Kingdom
22.79%
Other
0.07%
Sectors
VAW
Non-Energy Materi.
99%
Other
1%
IYM
Non-Energy Materi.
94.77%
Other
5.23%
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Diversification
VAW
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
66.06%
IYM
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
78.06%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of July 31, 2026
VAW
Linde Plc
15.08%
Newmont Corp.
6.88%
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
6.12%
The Sherwin-Williams Co.
5.45%
Ecolab, Inc.
4.80%
CRH Plc
4.33%
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
4.06%
Nucor Corp.
3.89%
Corteva, Inc.
3.59%
Vulcan Materials Co.
2.38%
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
2.35%
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
2.15%
PPG Industries, Inc.
1.68%
Amrize Ltd.
1.66%
Smurfit WestRock Plc
1.64%
IYM
Linde Plc
21.20%
Newmont Corp.
9.29%
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
8.27%
Ecolab, Inc.
6.35%
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
4.99%
Nucor Corp.
4.43%
Fastenal Co.
4.29%
Anglogold Ashanti Plc
3.46%
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
3.08%
Carpenter Technology Corp.
2.47%
International Paper Co.
2.31%
Reliance, Inc.
2.09%
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.
2.08%
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
1.97%
RBC Bearings, Inc.
1.79%
Frequently asked questions about VAW and IYM
How have the VAW and IYM ETFs performed in 2026?
As of September 10, 2026, VAW is up 10.48% year-to-date (YTD), while IYM has returned 21.45%. That puts IYM better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: VAW or IYM?
Year-to-date, the VAW ETF saw -$146M in flows, compared to +$387M for IYM.
Which ETF is more volatile: VAW or IYM?
Over the past year, VAW had a volatility of 19.02%, while IYM experienced 20.57%.
Which ETF is bigger: VAW or IYM?
As of September 10, 2026, VAW holds $2.95 B in assets under management (AUM), while IYM manages $1.20 B.
What sectors do the VAW and IYM ETFs invest in?
VAW leans toward sectors like Non-Energy Materials. Meanwhile, IYM focuses on Non-Energy Materials.
What are the top holdings of the VAW ETF and IYM ETF?
VAW top holdings include Linde Plc, Newmont Corp. and Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.. IYM holds in its top three: Linde Plc, Newmont Corp. and Freeport-McMoRan, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: VAW or IYM?
VAW holds 110 securities with 66.06% of its assets in the top 15. IYM has 40 securities and a top 15 weight of 78.06%.
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