EES vs VYM
WisdomTree US SmallCap Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EES delivered stronger 1-year returns. EES offers more diversification with 903 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EES | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.38% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $737M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.14% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 903 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +23.48% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +29.96% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.18% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.78% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 22.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 23, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EES vs VYM Performance
WisdomTree US SmallCap Fund (EES) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EES returned +29.96% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, EES is up 23.48% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, EES compounded at +16.18% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.78% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, EES has the edge at +8.01% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 22.3% 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 -64.5% for EES 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EES charges 0.38% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $38 vs $4 annually, a gap of $34 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EES currently yields 1.14% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EES and VYM share 105 holdings out of 1352 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EES or VYM?
EES has an expense ratio of 0.38% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $34 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EES or VYM?
Over the past year EES returned +29.96% vs +24.22% for VYM, so EES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EES annualized +8.01% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EES or VYM?
EES has been the more volatile fund at 22.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EES -64.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EES and VYM?
EES and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EES and VYM?
EES and VYM share 105 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1352 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EES or VYM?
EES yields 1.14% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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