EWA vs VYM
iShares MSCI Australia 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 | EWA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.01% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +15.12% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.30% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.37% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.95% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EWA vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Australia ETF (EWA) 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 EWA returned +16.30% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, EWA is up 15.12% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, EWA compounded at +14.37% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.95% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +4.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.6% 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 -69.7% for EWA 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
EWA charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWA currently yields 3.01% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EWA and VYM share 1 holdings out of 605 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 EWA | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| SIG | 0.72% | 0.02% | 0.70% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWA or VYM?
EWA has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWA or VYM?
Over the past year EWA returned +16.30% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EWA annualized +4.32% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWA or VYM?
EWA has been the more volatile fund at 21.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EWA -69.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EWA and VYM?
EWA 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 EWA and VYM?
EWA and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWA or VYM?
EWA yields 3.01% while VYM yields 2.86%, so EWA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.