EMGF vs VYM
iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EMGF delivered stronger 1-year returns. EMGF offers more diversification with 635 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMGF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.26% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.97% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 702 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +20.74% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.93% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.18% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.24% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -40.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2015 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EMGF vs VYM Performance
iShares Emerging Markets Equity Factor ETF (EMGF) 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 EMGF returned +33.93% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, EMGF is up 20.74% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, EMGF compounded at +24.18% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.24% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, EMGF has the edge at +10.43% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMGF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -40.2% for EMGF 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
EMGF charges 0.26% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $26 vs $4 annually, a gap of $22 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMGF currently yields 1.97% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EMGF and VYM share 1 holdings out of 1192 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 EMGF | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAL | 0.20% | 0.13% | 0.07% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMGF or VYM?
EMGF has an expense ratio of 0.26% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $22 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMGF or VYM?
Over the past year EMGF returned +33.93% vs +24.43% for VYM, so EMGF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), EMGF annualized +10.43% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMGF or VYM?
EMGF has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EMGF -40.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EMGF and VYM?
EMGF 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 EMGF and VYM?
EMGF and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1192 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMGF or VYM?
EMGF yields 1.97% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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