EMES vs VYM
Harbor Emerging Markets Select ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EMES delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMES | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $12M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.42% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 60 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +20.59% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.44% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Harbor Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 14, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EMES vs VYM Performance
Harbor Emerging Markets Select ETF (EMES) is a ETF from Harbor Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMES returned +38.44% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, EMES is up 20.59% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMES has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -13.0% for EMES 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMES charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMES currently yields 0.42% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EMES and VYM share 1 holdings out of 607 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EMES | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAP:BM | 1.34% | 0.10% | 1.24% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMES or VYM?
EMES has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMES or VYM?
Over the past year EMES returned +38.44% vs +26.05% for VYM, so EMES leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EMES annualized +30.62% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMES or VYM?
EMES has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EMES -13.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EMES and VYM?
EMES and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMES and VYM?
EMES and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 607 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMES or VYM?
EMES yields 0.42% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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