ECH vs VYM
iShares MSCI Chile ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ECH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ECH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.0B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.97% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 30 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -0.12% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.39% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.92% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.68% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ECH vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Chile ETF (ECH) 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 ECH returned +25.39% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, ECH is down 0.12% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, ECH compounded at +13.92% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.68% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +1.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.0% 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 -74.2% for ECH 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 0.50. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECH charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECH currently yields 1.97% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ECH and VYM share 0 holdings out of 629 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, ECH or VYM?
ECH has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECH or VYM?
Over the past year ECH returned +25.39% vs +24.22% for VYM, so ECH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), ECH annualized +1.22% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECH or VYM?
ECH has been the more volatile fund at 25.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ECH -74.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ECH and VYM?
ECH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.50, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECH and VYM?
ECH and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 629 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECH or VYM?
ECH yields 1.97% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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