EZA vs VYM
iShares MSCI South Africa ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EZA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EZA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $559M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.88% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 33 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -0.56% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.28% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.29% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.91% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 25.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -68.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 3, 2003 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EZA vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI South Africa ETF (EZA) 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 EZA returned +26.28% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, EZA is down 0.56% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, EZA compounded at +26.29% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.91% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +6.49%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EZA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 25.9% 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 -68.2% for EZA 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EZA 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, EZA currently yields 7.88% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EZA and VYM share 0 holdings out of 631 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, EZA or VYM?
EZA 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, EZA or VYM?
Over the past year EZA returned +26.28% vs +24.22% for VYM, so EZA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EZA annualized +6.49% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EZA or VYM?
EZA has been the more volatile fund at 25.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EZA -68.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EZA and VYM?
EZA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EZA and VYM?
EZA and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 631 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EZA or VYM?
EZA yields 7.88% while VYM yields 2.24%, so EZA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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