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VAWvsIYMETF Comparison
Vanguard Materials ETF (VAW) and iShares U.S. Basic Materials ETF (IYM) belong to the same industry segment: US Materials. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: and Materials. VAW is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.09%, versus 0.38% for IYM. VAW is up 8.48% year-to-date (YTD) with -$107M in YTD flows. IYM performs better with 14.99% YTD performance, and +$615M 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.
VAW vs IYM performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VAW IYM | -5.83%-2.09% | +9.11%+16.40% | +8.48%+14.99% | +21.67%+34.92% | +38.51%+45.61% | +41.98%+53.92% |
| Flows | VAW IYM | +$6M+$158M | -$123M+$701M | -$107M+$615M | -$157M+$697M | -$597M+$381M | -$522M+$629M |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VAW IYM | +19.16%+20.84% | +21.03%+21.75% | +17.49%+17.90% | +19.63%+20.22% |
| Max drawdown | VAW IYM | -7.78%-6.90% | -14.66%-15.07% | -23.20%-23.58% | -25.44%-29.91% |
| Max drawdown duration | VAW IYM | 11d10d | 57d75d | 430d352d | 679d709d |
VAW | IYM | |
Last sale 3/13/2026 at 1:30 PM | $221.75 | $173.36 |
| Previous close 03/12/2026 | $225.04 | $176.94 |
| Consolidated volume 03/12/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
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VAW | IYM | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
VAW | IYM | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $221.75 | $173.36 |
| 1D performance | -1.46% | -2.02% |
| AuM | $2.96 B | $1.41 B |
| E/R | 0.09% | 0.38% |
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 | 99 | 36 |
| Asset class | Equities | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | January 26, 2004 | June 12, 2000 |
| ESG | No | No |
Countries
Sectors
Diversification
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Top 15 holdings
How have the VAW and IYM ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 12, 2026, VAW is up 8.48% year-to-date (YTD), while IYM has returned 14.99%. 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 -$107M in flows, compared to +$615M for IYM.
Which ETF is more volatile: VAW or IYM?
Over the past year, VAW had a volatility of 21.03%, while IYM experienced 21.75%.
Which ETF is bigger: VAW or IYM?
As of March 12, 2026, VAW holds $2.96 B in assets under management (AUM), while IYM manages $1.41 B.
What sectors do the VAW and IYM ETFs invest in?
VAW leans toward sectors like Materials. Meanwhile, IYM focuses on Materials and Industrials.
What are the top holdings of the VAW ETF and IYM ETF?
VAW top holdings include IE000S9YS762, NEWMONT CORP and FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC. IYM holds in its top three: IE000S9YS762, NEWMONT CORP and FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC.
Which ETF is more diversified: VAW or IYM?
VAW holds 113 securities with 64.9% of its assets in the top 15. IYM has 39 securities and a top 15 weight of 78.21%.
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