EWW vs VYM
iShares MSCI Mexico ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EWW delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWW | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.20% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +8.46% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.85% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.30% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.01% | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 26.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -67.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 12, 1996 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EWW vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Mexico ETF (EWW) 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 EWW returned +25.85% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, EWW is up 8.46% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, EWW compounded at +10.30% per year against +19.14% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.01% and +12.45% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, EWW has the edge at +7.13% annualized vs +7.06%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 26.4% 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 -67.3% for EWW 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWW 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, EWW currently yields 3.20% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EWW and VYM share 0 holdings out of 644 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, EWW or VYM?
EWW 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, EWW or VYM?
Over the past year EWW returned +25.85% vs +23.85% for VYM, so EWW leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EWW annualized +7.13% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWW or VYM?
EWW has been the more volatile fund at 26.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EWW -67.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EWW and VYM?
EWW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWW and VYM?
EWW and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 644 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWW or VYM?
EWW yields 3.20% while VYM yields 2.24%, so EWW currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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