ECON vs VYM
Columbia Research Enhanced Emerging Economies ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ECON delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ECON | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $340M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.35% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 257 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +22.32% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.18% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.08% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.33% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Columbia Threadneedle Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 14, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ECON vs VYM Performance
Columbia Research Enhanced Emerging Economies ETF (ECON) is a ETF from Columbia Threadneedle Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ECON returned +41.18% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, ECON is up 22.32% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, ECON compounded at +20.08% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.33% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +4.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ECON has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -45.4% for ECON 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 0.53. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ECON charges 0.47% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $4 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ECON currently yields 1.35% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ECON and VYM share 1 holdings out of 804 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in ECON | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.20% | 0.13% | 0.07% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ECON or VYM?
ECON has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ECON or VYM?
Over the past year ECON returned +41.18% vs +26.05% for VYM, so ECON leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ECON annualized +4.36% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ECON or VYM?
ECON has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ECON -45.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ECON and VYM?
ECON and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.53, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ECON and VYM?
ECON and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 804 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ECON or VYM?
ECON yields 1.35% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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