EWS vs VYM
iShares MSCI Singapore ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EWS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.64% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 24 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +23.89% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.27% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +29.20% | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.23% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -75.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EWS vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Singapore ETF (EWS) 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 EWS returned +27.27% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, EWS is up 23.89% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Over three years, EWS compounded at +29.20% per year against +19.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.23% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +1.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.5% 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 -75.6% for EWS 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWS 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, EWS currently yields 3.64% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EWS and VYM share 0 holdings out of 620 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, EWS or VYM?
EWS 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, EWS or VYM?
Over the past year EWS returned +27.27% vs +23.24% for VYM, so EWS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EWS annualized +1.80% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWS or VYM?
EWS has been the more volatile fund at 24.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EWS -75.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EWS and VYM?
EWS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWS and VYM?
EWS and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 620 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWS or VYM?
EWS yields 3.64% while VYM yields 2.24%, so EWS 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.