EPP vs VYM
EPP vs VYM
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan 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 | EPP | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.47% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.51% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 106 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.14% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.35% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.69% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.66% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 25, 2001 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EPP vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Pacific ex Japan ETF (EPP) 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 EPP returned +19.35% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, EPP is up 15.14% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, EPP compounded at +15.69% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.66% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +6.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EPP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.5% 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 -67.7% for EPP 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EPP charges 0.47% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $47 vs $4 annually, a gap of $43 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EPP currently yields 3.51% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EPP and VYM share 1 holdings out of 651 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EPP | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIG | 0.46% | 0.02% | 0.44% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EPP or VYM?
EPP has an expense ratio of 0.47% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $43 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EPP or VYM?
Over the past year EPP returned +19.35% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EPP annualized +6.07% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EPP or VYM?
EPP has been the more volatile fund at 19.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EPP -67.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EPP and VYM?
EPP and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EPP and VYM?
EPP and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 651 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EPP or VYM?
EPP yields 3.51% while VYM yields 2.86%, so EPP currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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