EWC vs VYM
iShares MSCI Canada ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EWC delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6.6B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.26% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 89 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +14.17% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.83% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.66% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EWC vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC) 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 EWC returned +31.83% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, EWC is up 14.17% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, EWC compounded at +24.66% per year against +19.14% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.05% and +12.45% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +6.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWC has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.4% 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 -62.7% for EWC 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWC 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, EWC currently yields 1.26% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EWC and VYM share 0 holdings out of 687 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWC or VYM?
EWC 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, EWC or VYM?
Over the past year EWC returned +31.83% vs +23.85% for VYM, so EWC leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EWC annualized +6.39% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWC or VYM?
EWC has been the more volatile fund at 20.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EWC -62.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EWC and VYM?
EWC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWC and VYM?
EWC and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 687 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWC or VYM?
EWC yields 1.26% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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