CEW vs VYM
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | CEW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $16M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.41% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +4.56% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.65% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.68% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.25% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 6, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CEW vs VYM Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Currency Strategy Fund (CEW) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CEW returned +9.65% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, CEW is up 4.56% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, CEW compounded at +7.68% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.25% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +1.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 7.8% for CEW. 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 -27.9% for CEW 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CEW charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CEW currently yields 2.41% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CEW and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 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, CEW or VYM?
CEW has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CEW or VYM?
Over the past year CEW returned +9.65% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), CEW annualized +1.33% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CEW or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.8% for CEW. Worst drawdown: CEW -27.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CEW and VYM?
CEW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CEW and VYM?
CEW and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CEW or VYM?
CEW yields 2.41% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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