EWU vs VYM
iShares MSCI United Kingdom 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 | EWU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.0B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.27% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 74 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.19% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.88% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.82% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.75% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EWU vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWU) 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 EWU returned +22.88% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, EWU is up 10.19% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, EWU compounded at +18.82% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.75% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +2.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -66.9% for EWU 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWU 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, EWU currently yields 3.27% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EWU and VYM share 0 holdings out of 626 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, EWU or VYM?
EWU 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, EWU or VYM?
Over the past year EWU returned +22.88% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EWU annualized +2.89% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWU or VYM?
EWU has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EWU -66.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EWU and VYM?
EWU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWU and VYM?
EWU and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 626 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWU or VYM?
EWU yields 3.27% while VYM yields 2.86%, so EWU currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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