EXI vs VYM
iShares Global Industrials 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 | EXI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.39% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.06% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 238 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +16.24% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.20% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.33% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.42% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 12, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EXI vs VYM Performance
iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI) 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 EXI returned +24.20% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, EXI is up 16.24% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, EXI compounded at +21.33% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.42% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, EXI has the edge at +7.74% annualized vs +7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EXI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.7% 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 EXI 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 0.90. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EXI charges 0.39% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $39 vs $4 annually, a gap of $35 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EXI currently yields 1.06% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EXI and VYM share 32 holdings out of 744 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EXI or VYM?
EXI has an expense ratio of 0.39% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $35 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EXI or VYM?
Over the past year EXI returned +24.20% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EXI annualized +7.74% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EXI or VYM?
EXI has been the more volatile fund at 18.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EXI -63.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EXI and VYM?
EXI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.90, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between EXI and VYM?
EXI and VYM share 32 common holdings with a 10.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 744 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EXI or VYM?
EXI yields 1.06% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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