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 10.64% year-to-date (YTD) with -$137M in YTD flows. IYM performs better with 18.97% YTD performance, and +$484M 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 10/27/2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VAW IYM | +2.65%+0.89% | +0.26%+2.28% | +10.64%+18.97% | +13.97%+24.86% | +45.59%+57.14% | +34.06%+48.94% |
| Flows | VAW IYM | -$143M+$89M | -$22M+$72M | -$137M+$484M | -$154M+$610M | -$544M+$380M | -$1.28B+$302M |
Volatility and drawdown
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | VAW IYM | +16.39%+18.01% | +18.86%+20.41% | +17.95%+18.62% | +19.79%+20.48% |
| Max drawdown | VAW IYM | -9.24%-9.34% | -13.41%-13.67% | -23.20%-23.58% | -25.44%-29.91% |
| Max drawdown duration | VAW IYM | 63d63d | 240d102d | 430d352d | 679d709d |
Trading data
VAW | IYM | |
Last sale 10/27/2026 at 1:30 PM | $227.17 | $181.47 |
| Previous close 10/27/2026 | $224.66 | $178.97 |
| Consolidated volume 10/27/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Replication quality
Data as of September 30, 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 10/27/2026 at 1:30 PM
Live
Closed
VAW | IYM | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $227.17 | $181.47 |
| 1D performance | +1.12% | +1.40% |
| AuM | $2.95 B | $1.27 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
80.35%
United Kingdom
15.65%
Other
4%
IYM
USA
79.26%
United Kingdom
20.68%
Other
0.06%
Sectors
VAW
Non-Energy Materi.
98.64%
Other
1.36%
IYM
Non-Energy Materi.
94.98%
Other
5.02%
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Diversification
VAW
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
66.07%
IYM
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
78.14%
Top 15 holdings
Data as of August 31, 2026
VAW
Linde Plc
14.57%
Newmont Corp.
8.58%
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
7.00%
The Sherwin-Williams Co.
4.97%
Ecolab, Inc.
4.61%
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
4.14%
CRH Plc
4.05%
Corteva, Inc.
3.64%
Nucor Corp.
3.57%
Vulcan Materials Co.
2.25%
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
2.05%
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
2.00%
PPG Industries, Inc.
1.61%
Smurfit WestRock Plc
1.58%
Royal Gold, Inc.
1.43%
IYM
Linde Plc
19.08%
Newmont Corp.
11.44%
Freeport-McMoRan, Inc.
9.23%
Ecolab, Inc.
6.02%
Air Products & Chemicals, Inc.
4.81%
Anglogold Ashanti Plc
4.41%
Fastenal Co.
4.24%
Nucor Corp.
4.02%
Steel Dynamics, Inc.
2.65%
Carpenter Technology Corp.
2.18%
Royal Gold, Inc.
2.12%
International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.
2.11%
Coeur Mining, Inc.
2.04%
CF Industries Holdings, Inc.
1.90%
International Paper Co.
1.90%
Frequently asked questions about VAW and IYM
How have the VAW and IYM ETFs performed in 2026?
As of October 27, 2026, VAW is up 10.64% year-to-date (YTD), while IYM has returned 18.97%. 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 -$137M in flows, compared to +$484M for IYM.
Which ETF is more volatile: VAW or IYM?
Over the past year, VAW had a volatility of 18.86%, while IYM experienced 20.41%.
Which ETF is bigger: VAW or IYM?
As of October 27, 2026, VAW holds $2.95 B in assets under management (AUM), while IYM manages $1.27 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 66.07% of its assets in the top 15. IYM has 40 securities and a top 15 weight of 78.14%.
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