EMLP vs VYM
First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure 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 | EMLP | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.2B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.76% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 62 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +18.12% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.64% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.90% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.51% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EMLP vs VYM Performance
First Trust North American Energy Infrastructure Fund (EMLP) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMLP returned +20.64% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, EMLP is up 18.12% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, EMLP compounded at +21.90% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +16.51% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, EMLP has the edge at +7.31% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMLP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.2% 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 -48.0% for EMLP 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMLP 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, EMLP currently yields 2.76% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EMLP and VYM share 35 holdings out of 628 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMLP or VYM?
EMLP has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMLP or VYM?
Over the past year EMLP returned +20.64% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), EMLP annualized +7.31% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMLP or VYM?
EMLP has been the more volatile fund at 15.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EMLP -48.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EMLP and VYM?
EMLP and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMLP and VYM?
EMLP and VYM share 35 common holdings with a 5.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 628 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMLP or VYM?
EMLP yields 2.76% while VYM yields 2.24%, so EMLP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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