EFAV vs VYM
iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor 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 | EFAV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $5.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.26% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 278 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +8.05% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.95% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.33% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.48% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -38.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EFAV vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE Min Vol Factor ETF (EFAV) 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 EFAV returned +12.95% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, EFAV is up 8.05% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, EFAV compounded at +14.33% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.48% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, EFAV has the edge at +7.12% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 11.2% for EFAV. 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 -38.3% for EFAV 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFAV charges 0.20% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $20 vs $4 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFAV currently yields 3.26% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EFAV and VYM share 1 holdings out of 807 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 EFAV | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 0.14% | 1.37% | 1.23% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFAV or VYM?
EFAV has an expense ratio of 0.20% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFAV or VYM?
Over the past year EFAV returned +12.95% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EFAV annualized +7.12% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFAV or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.2% for EFAV. Worst drawdown: EFAV -38.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EFAV and VYM?
EFAV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFAV and VYM?
EFAV and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 807 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFAV or VYM?
EFAV yields 3.26% while VYM yields 2.86%, so EFAV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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