ETW vs VYM
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Buy-Write Opportunities Fund 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 | ETW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.10% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $936M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.41% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 291 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.94% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.04% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.61% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.28% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -72.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Eaton Vance | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2005 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ETW vs VYM Performance
Eaton Vance Tax-Managed Global Buy-Write Opportunities Fund (ETW) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ETW returned +20.04% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, ETW is up 11.94% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, ETW compounded at +16.61% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.28% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs -1.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ETW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -72.8% for ETW 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ETW charges 1.10% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $110 vs $4 annually, a gap of $106 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ETW currently yields 7.41% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
ETW and VYM share 67 holdings out of 750 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ETW or VYM?
ETW has an expense ratio of 1.10% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $106 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ETW or VYM?
Over the past year ETW returned +20.04% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), ETW annualized -1.09% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ETW or VYM?
ETW has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ETW -72.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ETW and VYM?
ETW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between ETW and VYM?
ETW and VYM share 67 common holdings with a 14.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 750 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, ETW or VYM?
ETW yields 7.41% while VYM yields 2.86%, so ETW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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