EMTY vs VYM
ProShares Decline of the Retail Store 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 | EMTY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.28% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -3.20% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +1.11% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -5.11% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -3.01% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -78.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 14, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EMTY vs VYM Performance
ProShares Decline of the Retail Store ETF (EMTY) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMTY returned +1.11% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, EMTY is down 3.20% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, EMTY compounded at -5.11% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -3.01% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs -11.69%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% 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 -78.1% for EMTY 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 -0.76. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMTY charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMTY currently yields 3.28% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMTY or VYM?
EMTY has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMTY or VYM?
Over the past year EMTY returned +1.11% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), EMTY annualized -11.69% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMTY or VYM?
EMTY has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EMTY -78.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EMTY and VYM?
EMTY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMTY or VYM?
EMTY yields 3.28% while VYM yields 2.86%, so EMTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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