ELD vs VYM
WisdomTree Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund 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 | ELD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.55% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $143M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.98% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 235 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +2.50% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.19% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.55% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.19% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -52.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | WisdomTree Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 9, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ELD vs VYM Performance
WisdomTree Emerging Markets Local Debt Fund (ELD) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ELD returned +8.19% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, ELD is up 2.50% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, ELD compounded at +7.55% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.19% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs -1.69%. 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 11.1% for ELD. 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 -52.2% for ELD 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ELD charges 0.55% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $55 vs $4 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ELD currently yields 5.98% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ELD and VYM share 0 holdings out of 605 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, ELD or VYM?
ELD has an expense ratio of 0.55% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ELD or VYM?
Over the past year ELD returned +8.19% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), ELD annualized -1.69% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ELD or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.1% for ELD. Worst drawdown: ELD -52.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ELD and VYM?
ELD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ELD and VYM?
ELD and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ELD or VYM?
ELD yields 5.98% while VYM yields 2.24%, so ELD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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