FEZ vs VYM
State Street SPDR EURO STOXX 50 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FEZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.29% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.5B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.56% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +11.47% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.99% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.55% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.17% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -66.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 15, 2002 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FEZ vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR EURO STOXX 50 ETF (FEZ) 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 FEZ returned +20.99% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, FEZ is up 11.47% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, FEZ compounded at +20.55% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.17% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +5.22%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
FEZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.2% 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 -66.2% for FEZ 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEZ charges 0.29% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $29 vs $4 annually, a gap of $25 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FEZ currently yields 2.56% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FEZ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 651 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, FEZ or VYM?
FEZ has an expense ratio of 0.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $25 per year of difference.
Which performed better, FEZ or VYM?
Over the past year FEZ returned +20.99% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), FEZ annualized +5.22% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEZ or VYM?
FEZ has been the more volatile fund at 21.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: FEZ -66.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FEZ and VYM?
FEZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FEZ and VYM?
FEZ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 651 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEZ or VYM?
FEZ yields 2.56% while VYM yields 2.24%, so FEZ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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