EFAX vs VYM
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. EFAX offers more diversification with 671 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFAX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.20% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $518M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.12% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 671 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.31% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.24% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.69% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.53% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -36.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 24, 2016 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EFAX vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE Fossil Fuel Reserves Free ETF (EFAX) 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 EFAX returned +20.24% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, EFAX is up 12.31% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, EFAX compounded at +18.69% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.53% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 10-year window we track, EFAX has the edge at +8.24% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFAX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -36.2% for EFAX 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFAX 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, EFAX currently yields 3.12% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EFAX and VYM share 4 holdings out of 1228 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, EFAX or VYM?
EFAX 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, EFAX or VYM?
Over the past year EFAX returned +20.24% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (10 years), EFAX annualized +8.24% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFAX or VYM?
EFAX has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EFAX -36.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EFAX and VYM?
EFAX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFAX and VYM?
EFAX and VYM share 4 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1228 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFAX or VYM?
EFAX yields 3.12% while VYM yields 2.24%, so EFAX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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