EOT vs VYM
Eaton Vance National Municipal Opportunities Trust 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 | EOT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $281M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.58% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 181 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +5.96% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.89% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +6.12% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.39% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -33.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Eaton Vance | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Tax Preferred | Equity | |
| Inception | May 27, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EOT vs VYM Performance
Eaton Vance National Municipal Opportunities Trust (EOT) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EOT returned +12.89% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, EOT is up 5.96% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, EOT compounded at +6.12% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.39% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +0.62%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 11.9% for EOT. 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 -33.9% for EOT 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EOT charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EOT currently yields 4.58% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EOT and VYM share 0 holdings out of 688 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EOT or VYM?
EOT has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EOT or VYM?
Over the past year EOT returned +12.89% vs +24.22% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), EOT annualized +0.62% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EOT or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.9% for EOT. Worst drawdown: EOT -33.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EOT and VYM?
EOT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EOT and VYM?
EOT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 688 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EOT or VYM?
EOT yields 4.58% while VYM yields 2.24%, so EOT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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