EWX vs VYM
State Street SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. EWX offers more diversification with 3,452 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $702M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.73% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 3,452 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +8.75% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.24% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.90% | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.85% | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 12, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EWX vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR S&P Emerging Markets Small Cap ETF (EWX) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EWX returned +11.24% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, EWX is up 8.75% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Over three years, EWX compounded at +12.90% per year against +19.14% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.85% and +12.45% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs +2.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.4% 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 -63.9% for EWX 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
EWX charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EWX currently yields 2.73% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EWX and VYM share 4 holdings out of 3874 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWX or VYM?
EWX has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EWX or VYM?
Over the past year EWX returned +11.24% vs +23.85% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), EWX annualized +2.30% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWX or VYM?
EWX has been the more volatile fund at 21.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EWX -63.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EWX and VYM?
EWX 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 EWX and VYM?
EWX and VYM share 4 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3874 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWX or VYM?
EWX yields 2.73% while VYM yields 2.24%, so EWX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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