EFU vs VYM
ProShares UltraShort MSCI EAFE vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, EFU or VYM?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.80, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFU | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $1M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 5.17% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 4 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -17.66% | +11.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | -25.10% | +15.34%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -25.82% | +17.22%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -16.60% | +12.30%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 33.2% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -58.0% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $4,035 | $17,861Best |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Oct 23, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Oct 25, 2007 to Sep 18, 2026 (18.9 years).
EFU vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 18.9 years both funds cover.
EFU vs VYM Performance
ProShares UltraShort MSCI EAFE (EFU) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EFU returned -25.10% while VYM returned +15.34%. Year to date, EFU is down 17.66% versus a gain of 11.35% for VYM.
Over three years, EFU compounded at -25.82% per year against +17.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -16.60% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.81% annualized vs -20.03%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 33.2% compared with 14.8% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.80. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFU charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFU currently yields 5.17% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of EFU and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFU or VYM?
EFU has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $91 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, EFU or VYM?
Over the past year EFU returned -25.10% vs +15.34% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), EFU annualized -20.03% vs +6.81% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, EFU or VYM?
EFU has been the more volatile fund at 33.2% annualized versus 14.8% for VYM.
Should I hold both EFU and VYM?
EFU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.80, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFU or VYM?
EFU yields 5.17% while VYM yields 2.22%, so EFU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than EFU?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.80, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.