ECNS vs VYM
iShares MSCI China Small-Cap 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 | ECNS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $64M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.69% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 275 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -9.08% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | -11.31% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.82% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -6.55% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 28, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ECNS vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI China Small-Cap ETF (ECNS) 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 ECNS returned -11.31% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, ECNS is down 9.08% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, ECNS compounded at +6.82% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -6.55% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs -1.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECNS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.2% 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 -64.9% for ECNS 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECNS 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, ECNS currently yields 6.69% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ECNS and VYM share 0 holdings out of 825 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, ECNS or VYM?
ECNS 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, ECNS or VYM?
Over the past year ECNS returned -11.31% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ECNS annualized -1.74% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECNS or VYM?
ECNS has been the more volatile fund at 25.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ECNS -64.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ECNS and VYM?
ECNS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECNS and VYM?
ECNS and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 825 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECNS or VYM?
ECNS yields 6.69% while VYM yields 2.86%, so ECNS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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