IEUR vs VYM
iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. IEUR offers more diversification with 1,024 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEUR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.10% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $9.4B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.10% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,024 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +10.77% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.88% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.85% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.92% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -41.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 10, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IEUR vs VYM Performance
iShares Core MSCI Europe ETF (IEUR) 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 IEUR returned +18.88% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, IEUR is up 10.77% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, IEUR compounded at +17.85% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.92% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.01% annualized vs +5.04%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IEUR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -41.1% for IEUR 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IEUR charges 0.10% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $10 vs $4 annually, a gap of $6 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEUR currently yields 3.10% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IEUR and VYM share 5 holdings out of 1463 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IEUR or VYM?
IEUR has an expense ratio of 0.10% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $6 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEUR or VYM?
Over the past year IEUR returned +18.88% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), IEUR annualized +5.04% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEUR or VYM?
IEUR has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IEUR -41.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IEUR and VYM?
IEUR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IEUR and VYM?
IEUR and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1463 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEUR or VYM?
IEUR yields 3.10% while VYM yields 2.24%, so IEUR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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