AIA vs VYM
iShares Asia 50 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AIA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AIA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.5B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.50% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +36.57% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.52% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +36.70% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.12% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -61.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 13, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AIA vs VYM Performance
iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AIA returned +65.52% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, AIA is up 36.57% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, AIA compounded at +36.70% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.12% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +6.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AIA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.3% 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 -61.1% for AIA 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AIA charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AIA currently yields 1.50% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AIA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 612 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AIA or VYM?
AIA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AIA or VYM?
Over the past year AIA returned +65.52% vs +25.03% for VYM, so AIA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), AIA annualized +6.32% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AIA or VYM?
AIA has been the more volatile fund at 22.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AIA -61.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AIA and VYM?
AIA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AIA and VYM?
AIA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 612 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AIA or VYM?
AIA yields 1.50% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.