AVEM vs VYM
Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. AVEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. AVEM offers more diversification with 3,967 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | AVEM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.33% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $27.4B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.98% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 3,967 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +19.50% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +34.76% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.11% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.57% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Avantis Investors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 17, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
AVEM vs VYM Performance
Avantis Emerging Markets Equity ETF (AVEM) is a ETF from Avantis Investors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AVEM returned +34.76% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, AVEM is up 19.50% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, AVEM compounded at +24.11% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.57% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, AVEM has the edge at +11.99% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
AVEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.8% 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 -36.0% for AVEM 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
AVEM charges 0.33% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $33 vs $4 annually, a gap of $29 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AVEM currently yields 1.98% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
AVEM and VYM share 5 holdings out of 1798 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, AVEM or VYM?
AVEM has an expense ratio of 0.33% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $29 per year of difference.
Which performed better, AVEM or VYM?
Over the past year AVEM returned +34.76% vs +24.22% for VYM, so AVEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), AVEM annualized +11.99% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, AVEM or VYM?
AVEM has been the more volatile fund at 18.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AVEM -36.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both AVEM and VYM?
AVEM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between AVEM and VYM?
AVEM and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1798 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, AVEM or VYM?
AVEM yields 1.98% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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