CEE vs VYM
CEE vs VYM
The Central and Eastern Europe Fund Inc. vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. CEE delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.18% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $142M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.85% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.98% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.49% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +35.78% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -2.07% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 31.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | DWS ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 6, 1990 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CEE vs VYM Performance
The Central and Eastern Europe Fund Inc. (CEE) is a ETF from DWS ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEE returned +33.49% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, CEE is up 17.98% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, CEE compounded at +35.78% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -2.07% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CEE has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 31.2% 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 -83.0% for CEE 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEE charges 1.18% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $118 vs $4 annually, a gap of $114 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEE currently yields 1.85% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CEE and VYM share 0 holdings out of 608 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, CEE or VYM?
CEE has an expense ratio of 1.18% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $114 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEE or VYM?
Over the past year CEE returned +33.49% vs +26.12% for VYM, so CEE leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), CEE annualized +7.01% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEE or VYM?
CEE has been the more volatile fund at 31.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CEE -83.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CEE and VYM?
CEE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEE and VYM?
CEE and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 608 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEE or VYM?
CEE yields 1.85% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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