EMOT vs VYM
First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMOT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.08% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.84% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.93% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 26, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EMOT vs VYM Performance
First Trust S&P 500 Economic Moat ETF (EMOT) 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 EMOT returned +19.93% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, EMOT is up 15.84% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 11.3% for EMOT. 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 -16.4% for EMOT 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMOT charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMOT currently yields 1.08% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EMOT and VYM share 22 holdings out of 586 unique holdings combined, representing a 17.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMOT or VYM?
EMOT has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMOT or VYM?
Over the past year EMOT returned +19.93% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), EMOT annualized +16.96% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMOT or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.3% for EMOT. Worst drawdown: EMOT -16.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EMOT and VYM?
EMOT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMOT and VYM?
EMOT and VYM share 22 common holdings with a 17.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 586 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMOT or VYM?
EMOT yields 1.08% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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