AFK vs VYM
VanEck Africa Index ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AFK delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AFK | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.76% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $98M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.05% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 79 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +7.51% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +32.66% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.88% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.94% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | VanEck | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AFK vs VYM Performance
VanEck Africa Index ETF (AFK) is a ETF from VanEck and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AFK returned +32.66% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, AFK is up 7.51% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, AFK compounded at +24.88% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.94% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AFK has the edge at +8.41% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AFK has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.3% compared with 14.6% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -43.2% for AFK and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AFK charges 0.76% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $76 vs $4 annually, a gap of $72 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AFK currently yields 1.05% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AFK and VYM share 1 holdings out of 627 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in AFK | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| GLNG | 2.99% | 0.02% | 2.97% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AFK or VYM?
AFK has an expense ratio of 0.76% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $72 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AFK or VYM?
Over the past year AFK returned +32.66% vs +25.99% for VYM, so AFK leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AFK annualized +8.41% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AFK or VYM?
AFK has been the more volatile fund at 23.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AFK -43.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AFK and VYM?
AFK and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AFK and VYM?
AFK and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 627 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AFK or VYM?
AFK yields 1.05% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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