What is the expense ratio and how does it impact returns?

The expense ratio is an annual fee charged by the fund manager. For stock_1, it is 0.37 per cent, while stock_2 charges 0.09 per cent. This difference of 0.28 percentage points means that over time, higher fees can slightly reduce net returns, assuming identical gross performance.

How do I interpret the fund's net assets?

Net assets indicate the total value of investments held by the fund. stock_1 has $4.1 billion, whereas stock_2 holds $13.1 billion. Larger asset bases often support better liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads, though both funds are substantial in size.

What does dividend yield tell me?

Dividend yield shows the annual payout as a percentage of the fund's price. stock_1 offers 1.47 per cent, compared to stock_2's 1.70 per cent. Higher yields can mean more income, but they do not guarantee total returns and may fluctuate with market conditions.

How do the top holdings differ between the two funds?

Both funds share eight top-10 holdings, including major banks and Berkshire Hathaway. However, stock_1 gives slightly more weight to JPMorgan Chase and BAC. stock_2's holdings differ, with larger weights in Mastercard and Visa, reflecting a distinct portfolio construction.

Why are sector weights not available for either fund?

Sector weights for stock_1 and stock_2 are marked as not available. This limits the immediate visibility into sub-sector diversification within financials. Investors may need to rely on the top holdings and broader category classifications for further analysis.

What is the significance of the inception date?

stock_1 launched in May 2000, while stock_2 started in January 2004. A longer operational history can provide more data on how the fund has behaved through different market cycles, but past performance does not predict future results.

How do the funds' index tracking differ?

stock_1 tracks the Dow Jones US Financial Index, offering targeted exposure to major financial institutions. The specific index for stock_2 is not available in the supplied data, potentially obscuring methodology transparency.

How does liquidity differ between the two funds?

stock_2, with $13.1 billion in net assets, may offer slightly better liquidity than stock_1, which holds $4.1 billion. Higher liquidity usually translates to lower trading costs and easier entry and exit for investors.

What investing goals do these funds suit?

Both funds provide exposure to the US financial sector. stock_1's longer history and specific index tracking may appeal to those preferring a targeted approach. stock_2's lower fees and higher yield might suit investors prioritising cost efficiency and income generation.

How do distributions work for these ETFs?

ETFs like stock_1 and stock_2 distribute dividends and capital gains to shareholders. The actual distribution amount and frequency can vary based on the underlying holdings' performance and the fund's tax strategy. Always check the fund's specific distribution schedule.

Is this information financial advice?

No, this content is strictly educational and not financial advice. Always conduct your own research or consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

IYF vs VFH

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in September 2026.

Compare IYF and VFH to review fees, holdings and dividends. Explore how each fund tracks its market using data from Yahoo Finance. This page provides neutral insights to help you evaluate options. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

IYF

Metric

VFH

0.37%

Expense Ratio

0.09%

1.47%

Dividend Yield

1.70%

$4.11B

Net Assets

$13.08B

147

Holdings

434

May 22, 2000

Inception Date

Jan 26, 2004

–

Index Tracked

–

Financial

Fund Category

Financial

VFH costs about $28.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

Holding	IYF	VFH
BRK.BBerkshire Hathaway Inc.	11.54%	7.61%
JPMJPMorgan Chase & Co.	11.36%	10.13%
BACBank of America Corporation	4.24%	4.31%
WFCWells Fargo & Company	3.81%	2.80%
GSThe Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.	3.74%	3.03%
MSMorgan Stanley	3.53%	2.69%
CCitigroup Inc.	3.43%	2.40%
SCHWThe Charles Schwab Corporation	2.68%	1.94%

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Investment Analysis

IYF

Pros

IYF tracks the Dow Jones US Financial Index, offering targeted exposure to major financial institutions.
The fund has a long inception date of May 2000, demonstrating a substantial operational track record.
Its top holdings include Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase, providing significant weight in established financial leaders.

Considerations

The expense ratio of 0.37 per cent is considerably higher than comparable financial sector ETFs.
With net assets of 4.1 billion dollars, it is significantly smaller than its primary competitor.
The dividend yield of 1.47 per cent is lower than the alternative fund's 1.70 per cent.

VFH

Pros

The expense ratio of 0.09 per cent makes it a highly cost-efficient option for sector exposure.
With 13.1 billion dollars in net assets, the fund offers strong liquidity and scale.
The dividend yield of 1.70 per cent provides a slightly higher income generation than the peer fund.

Considerations

Inception date of January 2004 is more recent than the competing Dow Jones index fund.
Its index tracked is not available in the supplied data, potentially obscuring methodology transparency.
Sector weights are not available, limiting immediate visibility into sub-sector diversification within financials.

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About IYF and VFH

IYF (IYF)

IYF is an exchange-traded fund from iShares that aims to track the Dow Jones U.S. Financials Index, providing investors with broad exposure to US financial-sector companies such as banks, insurance firms, asset managers and diversified financial services. As a sector ETF, it offers concentrated exposure to financials rather than a diversified, all-market product — useful for investors who wish to express a view on banking and insurance performance or to add sector tilt within a broader portfolio. Key considerations include sensitivity to interest-rate moves, economic cycles and regulatory developments, which can drive volatility. IYF typically distributes dividends from constituent companies, and its liquidity and trading costs matter for implementation. Investors should check the fund’s prospectus, expense ratio and holdings before investing. This information is educational and not personal advice; sector-focused ETFs can magnify both gains and losses and may not suit all investors.

VFH (VFH)

The Vanguard Financials ETF (VFH) offers investors exposure to the US financial sector. It tracks an index comprising stocks from banks, insurance companies, and asset managers. With a low expense ratio of 0.09% and substantial net assets of USD 13.08 billion, it is a cost-efficient way to diversify within this specific industry. The fund holds 434 distinct companies, providing broad coverage across financial services. Its dividend yield sits at 1.70%, offering some income potential alongside capital growth opportunities. Launched in January 2004, VFH has a long history of providing sector-specific access. However, like all investments, its value can fluctuate, and returns are not guaranteed. The financial sector can be sensitive to interest rate changes and economic conditions, making it suitable for those seeking targeted exposure who understand the cyclical nature of these industries. Always consider your overall investment strategy before engaging with sector-specific funds.

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IYF vs VFH

Fund Snapshot