IEUS vs VYM
iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. IEUS offers more diversification with 859 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IEUS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.41% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $184M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.11% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 859 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +9.00% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.17% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.70% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.33% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -63.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 12, 2007 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IEUS vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Europe Small-Cap ETF (IEUS) 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 IEUS returned +13.17% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, IEUS is up 9.00% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, IEUS compounded at +15.70% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.33% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 19-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +3.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IEUS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.1% 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 -63.3% for IEUS 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
IEUS charges 0.41% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $41 vs $4 annually, a gap of $37 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IEUS currently yields 3.11% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IEUS and VYM share 1 holdings out of 1420 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in IEUS | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF | 0.10% | 0.11% | 0.01% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IEUS or VYM?
IEUS has an expense ratio of 0.41% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $37 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IEUS or VYM?
Over the past year IEUS returned +13.17% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (19 years), IEUS annualized +3.25% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IEUS or VYM?
IEUS has been the more volatile fund at 21.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IEUS -63.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IEUS and VYM?
IEUS 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 IEUS and VYM?
IEUS and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1420 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IEUS or VYM?
IEUS yields 3.11% while VYM yields 2.24%, so IEUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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