CNYA vs VYM
iShares MSCI China A ETF 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 | CNYA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $204M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.68% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 416 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +4.64% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.83% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.69% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -0.82% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 13, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
CNYA vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI China A ETF (CNYA) 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 CNYA returned +20.83% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, CNYA is up 4.64% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, CNYA compounded at +10.69% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -0.82% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +5.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
CNYA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.7% 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 -49.5% for CNYA 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 0.31. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
CNYA charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CNYA currently yields 1.68% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
CNYA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 964 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, CNYA or VYM?
CNYA has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, CNYA or VYM?
Over the past year CNYA returned +20.83% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), CNYA annualized +5.99% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, CNYA or VYM?
CNYA has been the more volatile fund at 20.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CNYA -49.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both CNYA and VYM?
CNYA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.31, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between CNYA and VYM?
CNYA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 964 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, CNYA or VYM?
CNYA yields 1.68% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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