EMOP vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. EMOP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: EMOPMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEMOPVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.70%0.04%
AUM$2.0B$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings83568
YTD Return+19.46%+16.10%
1Y Return+39.76%+25.99%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.29%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.35%
Volatility (annualized)20.9%14.6%
Max Drawdown-13.1%-58.8%
Fund FamilyAllianceBernstein L.P.Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 18, 2025Nov 10, 2006

EMOP vs VYM Performance

AB Emerging Markets Opportunities ETF (EMOP) is a ETF from AllianceBernstein L.P. and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMOP returned +39.76% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, EMOP is up 19.46% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EMOP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.9% 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 -13.1% for EMOP 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

EMOP charges 0.70% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $70 vs $4 annually, a gap of $66 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMOP currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.3%overlap

EMOP and VYM share 1 holdings out of 616 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in EMOPWeight in VYMDifference
CL2.16%0.35%1.81%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, EMOP or VYM?

EMOP has an expense ratio of 0.70% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $66 per year of difference.

Which performed better, EMOP or VYM?

Over the past year EMOP returned +39.76% vs +25.99% for VYM, so EMOP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), EMOP annualized +40.36% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EMOP or VYM?

EMOP has been the more volatile fund at 20.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EMOP -13.1% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both EMOP and VYM?

EMOP 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 EMOP and VYM?

EMOP and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 616 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EMOP or VYM?

EMOP yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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