HEWJ vs VYM
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, HEWJ or VYM?
Large Cap Blend against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. HEWJ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HEWJ | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $775M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 4.14% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 178 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +21.19%Best | +14.33% |
| 1Y Return | +35.76%Best | +20.01% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +26.77%Best | +18.43% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.44%Best | +12.16% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.9% | 13.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -34.1%Best | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $25,343Best | $17,750 |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Equity | Equity |
| Style | Large Cap Blend | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 4, 2014 to Sep 8, 2026 (12.6 years).
HEWJ vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 12.6 years both funds cover.
HEWJ vs VYM Performance
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI Japan ETF (HEWJ) is an ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HEWJ returned +35.76% while VYM returned +20.01%. Year to date, HEWJ is up 21.19% versus a gain of 14.33% for VYM.
Over three years, HEWJ compounded at +26.77% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +20.44% and +12.16% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, HEWJ has the edge at +12.78% annualized vs +9.85%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
HEWJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.9% compared with 13.5% 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 -34.1% for HEWJ and -35.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.60. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HEWJ charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HEWJ currently yields 4.14% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 2 holdings in HEWJ and 602 in VYM, totalling 102.8% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 2 positions we hold weights for in HEWJ and 602 in VYM, against full books of 178 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of HEWJ and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HEWJ or VYM?
HEWJ has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $45 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, HEWJ or VYM?
Over the past year HEWJ returned +35.76% vs +20.01% for VYM, so HEWJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), HEWJ annualized +12.78% vs +9.85% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, HEWJ or VYM?
HEWJ has been the more volatile fund at 14.9% annualized versus 13.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: HEWJ -34.1% vs VYM -35.7%.
Should I hold both HEWJ and VYM?
HEWJ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.60, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, HEWJ or VYM?
HEWJ yields 4.14% while VYM yields 2.24%, so HEWJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than HEWJ?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. HEWJ led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.