EMXC vs VYM
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EMXC delivered stronger 1-year returns. EMXC offers more diversification with 644 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EMXC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $24.9B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.13% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 644 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +33.37% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +60.08% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.99% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.83% | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.0% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -46.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 18, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EMXC vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China ETF (EMXC) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMXC returned +60.08% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, EMXC is up 33.37% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Over three years, EMXC compounded at +26.99% per year against +18.69% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.83% and +11.98% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, EMXC has the edge at +7.78% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMXC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.0% compared with 14.5% 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 -46.1% for EMXC 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMXC charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMXC currently yields 2.13% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EMXC and VYM share 6 holdings out of 1178 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EMXC or VYM?
EMXC has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMXC or VYM?
Over the past year EMXC returned +60.08% vs +21.39% for VYM, so EMXC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), EMXC annualized +7.78% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMXC or VYM?
EMXC has been the more volatile fund at 19.0% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EMXC -46.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EMXC and VYM?
EMXC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMXC and VYM?
EMXC and VYM share 6 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1178 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMXC or VYM?
EMXC yields 2.13% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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