EWT vs VYM
EWT vs VYM
iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EWT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $10.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.59% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 85 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +59.16% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +78.64% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +37.95% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.92% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 24.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 20, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EWT vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Taiwan ETF (EWT) 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 EWT returned +78.64% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, EWT is up 59.16% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, EWT compounded at +37.95% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +17.92% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, EWT has the edge at +7.28% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWT 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 -64.0% for EWT 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 0.62. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWT charges 0.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $59 vs $4 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWT currently yields 2.59% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EWT and VYM share 0 holdings out of 638 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, EWT or VYM?
EWT has an expense ratio of 0.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWT or VYM?
Over the past year EWT returned +78.64% vs +26.12% for VYM, so EWT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EWT annualized +7.28% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWT or VYM?
EWT has been the more volatile fund at 24.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EWT -64.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EWT and VYM?
EWT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.62, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWT and VYM?
EWT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 638 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWT or VYM?
EWT yields 2.59% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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