EQWL vs VYM
Invesco S&P 100 Equal Weight 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EQWL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.57% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 104 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.87% | +15.36% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.63% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.33% | +18.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.28% | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -50.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Invesco (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EQWL vs VYM Performance
Invesco S&P 100 Equal Weight ETF (EQWL) is a ETF from Invesco (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EQWL returned +21.63% while VYM returned +21.96%. Year to date, EQWL is up 14.87% versus a gain of 15.36% for VYM.
Over three years, EQWL compounded at +20.33% per year against +18.85% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.28% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, EQWL has the edge at +9.46% annualized vs +7.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EQWL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.0% 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 -50.0% for EQWL 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 0.93. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EQWL 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, EQWL currently yields 1.57% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EQWL and VYM share 59 holdings out of 646 unique holdings combined, representing a 40.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EQWL or VYM?
EQWL 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, EQWL or VYM?
Over the past year EQWL returned +21.63% vs +21.96% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EQWL annualized +9.46% vs +7.03% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EQWL or VYM?
EQWL has been the more volatile fund at 15.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EQWL -50.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EQWL and VYM?
EQWL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.93, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EQWL and VYM?
EQWL and VYM share 59 common holdings with a 40.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 646 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EQWL or VYM?
EQWL yields 1.57% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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