EEMX vs VYM
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. EEMX offers more diversification with 1,070 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EEMX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $184M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.86% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,070 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +19.72% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.09% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.77% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.32% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 24, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EEMX vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI Emerging Markets Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF (EEMX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EEMX returned +37.09% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, EEMX is up 19.72% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, EEMX compounded at +23.77% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.32% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, EEMX has the edge at +7.75% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.4% 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 -39.9% for EEMX 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EEMX charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EEMX currently yields 1.86% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EEMX and VYM share 3 holdings out of 1613 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EEMX or VYM?
EEMX has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EEMX or VYM?
Over the past year EEMX returned +37.09% vs +23.48% for VYM, so EEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EEMX annualized +7.75% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EEMX or VYM?
EEMX has been the more volatile fund at 17.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EEMX -39.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EEMX and VYM?
EEMX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EEMX and VYM?
EEMX and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1613 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EEMX or VYM?
EEMX yields 1.86% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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