EWY vs VYM
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EWY delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $23.1B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 84 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +63.61% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +134.15% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +42.27% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +16.01% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 30.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 9, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EWY vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY) 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 EWY returned +134.15% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, EWY is up 63.61% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, EWY compounded at +42.27% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +16.01% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, EWY has the edge at +10.15% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.4% 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 -74.0% for EWY 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
EWY 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, EWY currently yields 1.01% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EWY and VYM share 0 holdings out of 637 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, EWY or VYM?
EWY 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, EWY or VYM?
Over the past year EWY returned +134.15% vs +26.05% for VYM, so EWY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EWY annualized +10.15% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWY or VYM?
EWY has been the more volatile fund at 30.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EWY -74.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EWY and VYM?
EWY 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 EWY and VYM?
EWY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 637 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWY or VYM?
EWY yields 1.01% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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