EWUS vs VYM
iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap 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 | EWUS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $41M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.26% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 206 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.42% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.90% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +14.53% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +1.76% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -49.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 25, 2012 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EWUS vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF (EWUS) 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 EWUS returned +14.90% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, EWUS is up 9.42% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, EWUS compounded at +14.53% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +1.76% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +6.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.9% 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 -49.3% for EWUS 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 0.47. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWUS 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, EWUS currently yields 3.26% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EWUS and VYM share 1 holdings out of 757 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EWUS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| THG | 0.05% | 0.03% | 0.02% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWUS or VYM?
EWUS 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, EWUS or VYM?
Over the past year EWUS returned +14.90% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), EWUS annualized +6.89% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWUS or VYM?
EWUS has been the more volatile fund at 32.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EWUS -49.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EWUS and VYM?
EWUS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.47, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWUS and VYM?
EWUS and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 757 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWUS or VYM?
EWUS yields 3.26% while VYM yields 2.86%, so EWUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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