ESML vs VYM
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. ESML delivered stronger 1-year returns. ESML offers more diversification with 861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | ESML | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.17% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2.8B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.89% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 913 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +19.74% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +33.77% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.49% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.30% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 10, 2018 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ESML vs VYM Performance
iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Small-Cap ETF (ESML) 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 ESML returned +33.77% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, ESML is up 19.74% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, ESML compounded at +16.49% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.30% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 8-year window we track, ESML has the edge at +10.58% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ESML has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -42.0% for ESML 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ESML charges 0.17% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $17 vs $4 annually, a gap of $13 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ESML currently yields 0.89% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ESML and VYM share 185 holdings out of 1234 unique holdings combined, representing a 4.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ESML or VYM?
ESML has an expense ratio of 0.17% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $13 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ESML or VYM?
Over the past year ESML returned +33.77% vs +26.12% for VYM, so ESML leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (8 years), ESML annualized +10.58% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ESML or VYM?
ESML has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ESML -42.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ESML and VYM?
ESML and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ESML and VYM?
ESML and VYM share 185 common holdings with a 4.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1234 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ESML or VYM?
ESML yields 0.89% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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