EPOL vs VYM
iShares MSCI Poland ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EPOL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EPOL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $675M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.81% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +23.36% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +38.23% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +36.94% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +19.37% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 25, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EPOL vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Poland ETF (EPOL) 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 EPOL returned +38.23% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, EPOL is up 23.36% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, EPOL compounded at +36.94% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +19.37% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +4.83%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPOL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.7% 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 -72.4% for EPOL 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPOL 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, EPOL currently yields 3.81% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EPOL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 591 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, EPOL or VYM?
EPOL 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, EPOL or VYM?
Over the past year EPOL returned +38.23% vs +26.05% for VYM, so EPOL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), EPOL annualized +4.83% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPOL or VYM?
EPOL has been the more volatile fund at 27.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EPOL -72.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EPOL and VYM?
EPOL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPOL and VYM?
EPOL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 591 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPOL or VYM?
EPOL yields 3.81% while VYM yields 2.86%, so EPOL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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