EVT vs VYM
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EVT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EVT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 6.48% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 152 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +21.58% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.32% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.91% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.58% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -77.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Eaton Vance | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Allocation/Balanced | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 30, 2003 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EVT vs VYM Performance
Eaton Vance Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (EVT) is a ETF from Eaton Vance and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EVT returned +31.32% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, EVT is up 21.58% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, EVT compounded at +17.91% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.58% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +3.59%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EVT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.8% 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 -77.9% for EVT 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EVT charges 1.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $159 vs $4 annually, a gap of $155 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EVT currently yields 6.48% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EVT and VYM share 49 holdings out of 673 unique holdings combined, representing a 22.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EVT or VYM?
EVT has an expense ratio of 1.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $155 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EVT or VYM?
Over the past year EVT returned +31.32% vs +24.22% for VYM, so EVT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EVT annualized +3.59% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EVT or VYM?
EVT has been the more volatile fund at 20.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EVT -77.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EVT and VYM?
EVT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EVT and VYM?
EVT and VYM share 49 common holdings with a 22.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 673 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EVT or VYM?
EVT yields 6.48% while VYM yields 2.24%, so EVT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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