EFRA vs VYM
iShares Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFRA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.07% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +9.77% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.29% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.26% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -17.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 1, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EFRA vs VYM Performance
iShares Environmental Infrastructure and Industrials ETF (EFRA) 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 EFRA returned +11.29% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, EFRA is up 9.77% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, EFRA compounded at +12.26% per year against +19.03% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, EFRA has the edge at +14.14% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFRA 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 -17.9% for EFRA 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFRA charges 0.47% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $4 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFRA currently yields 4.07% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EFRA and VYM share 6 holdings out of 677 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFRA or VYM?
EFRA has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFRA or VYM?
Over the past year EFRA returned +11.29% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), EFRA annualized +14.14% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFRA or VYM?
EFRA has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EFRA -17.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EFRA and VYM?
EFRA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFRA and VYM?
EFRA and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 677 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFRA or VYM?
EFRA yields 4.07% while VYM yields 2.24%, so EFRA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.