EWZ vs VYM
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EWZ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EWZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $8.2B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.01% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 54 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.41% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.84% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.55% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.98% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -82.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EWZ vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Brazil ETF (EWZ) 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 EWZ returned +30.84% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, EWZ is up 7.41% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, EWZ compounded at +10.55% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.98% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +3.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EWZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.2% 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 -82.8% for EWZ 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EWZ 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, EWZ currently yields 4.01% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EWZ and VYM share 1 holdings out of 649 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 EWZ | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| XP | 1.30% | 0.03% | 1.27% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EWZ or VYM?
EWZ 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, EWZ or VYM?
Over the past year EWZ returned +30.84% vs +23.48% for VYM, so EWZ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EWZ annualized +3.91% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EWZ or VYM?
EWZ has been the more volatile fund at 34.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EWZ -82.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EWZ and VYM?
EWZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EWZ and VYM?
EWZ and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 649 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EWZ or VYM?
EWZ yields 4.01% while VYM yields 2.24%, so EWZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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