EMO vs VYM
ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund Inc. 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 | EMO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 3.37% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.36% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 20 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +24.62% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.01% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.20% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +30.37% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -97.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 13, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EMO vs VYM Performance
ClearBridge Energy Midstream Opportunity Fund Inc. (EMO) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMO returned +22.01% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, EMO is up 24.62% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, EMO compounded at +30.20% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +30.37% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs -1.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.8% 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 -97.2% for EMO 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
EMO charges 3.37% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $337 vs $4 annually, a gap of $333 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMO currently yields 7.36% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EMO and VYM share 6 holdings out of 617 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMO or VYM?
EMO has an expense ratio of 3.37% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $333 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMO or VYM?
Over the past year EMO returned +22.01% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EMO annualized -1.25% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMO or VYM?
EMO has been the more volatile fund at 41.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EMO -97.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EMO and VYM?
EMO 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 EMO and VYM?
EMO and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 1.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 617 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMO or VYM?
EMO yields 7.36% while VYM yields 2.24%, so EMO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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