EWP vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. EWP delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: EWPMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricEWPVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.04%
AUM$2.1B$79.0B
Dividend Yield2.81%2.86%
Holdings30568
YTD Return+16.33%+16.16%
1Y Return+37.01%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)+34.53%+18.43%
5Y Return (annualized)+20.83%+12.21%
Volatility (annualized)23.4%14.6%
Max Drawdown-73.7%-58.8%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionMar 12, 1996Nov 10, 2006

EWP vs VYM Performance

iShares MSCI Spain ETF (EWP) 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 EWP returned +37.01% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, EWP is up 16.33% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.

Over three years, EWP compounded at +34.53% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +20.83% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +5.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

EWP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.4% 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 -73.7% for EWP 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

EWP 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, EWP currently yields 2.81% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

EWP and VYM share 0 holdings out of 582 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, EWP or VYM?

EWP 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, EWP or VYM?

Over the past year EWP returned +37.01% vs +26.05% for VYM, so EWP leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EWP annualized +5.72% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, EWP or VYM?

EWP has been the more volatile fund at 23.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EWP -73.7% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both EWP and VYM?

EWP and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between EWP and VYM?

EWP and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 582 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, EWP or VYM?

EWP yields 2.81% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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