EIS vs VYM
iShares MSCI Israel ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EIS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EIS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $912M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.56% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 129 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.00% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +40.04% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +32.58% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +14.20% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 26, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EIS vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Israel ETF (EIS) 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 EIS returned +40.04% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, EIS is up 12.00% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, EIS compounded at +32.58% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +14.20% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +5.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% 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 -51.9% for EIS 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EIS charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EIS currently yields 1.56% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EIS and VYM share 0 holdings out of 725 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EIS or VYM?
EIS has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EIS or VYM?
Over the past year EIS returned +40.04% vs +24.22% for VYM, so EIS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), EIS annualized +5.48% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EIS or VYM?
EIS has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EIS -51.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EIS and VYM?
EIS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EIS and VYM?
EIS and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 725 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EIS or VYM?
EIS yields 1.56% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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