EEMA vs VYM
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EEMA delivered stronger 1-year returns. EEMA offers more diversification with 779 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEMA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $831M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.31% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 899 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +18.34% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.60% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.36% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.53% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 8, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EEMA vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Asia ETF (EEMA) 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 EEMA returned +37.60% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, EEMA is up 18.34% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, EEMA compounded at +22.36% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.53% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +5.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EEMA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% 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 -44.3% for EEMA 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EEMA charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EEMA currently yields 1.31% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EEMA or VYM?
EEMA has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EEMA or VYM?
Over the past year EEMA returned +37.60% vs +25.99% for VYM, so EEMA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EEMA annualized +5.86% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEMA or VYM?
EEMA has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EEMA -44.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EEMA and VYM?
EEMA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EEMA and VYM?
EEMA and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1335 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEMA or VYM?
EEMA yields 1.31% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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