JEMA vs VYM
JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. JEMA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | JEMA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.41% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 517 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +22.00% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +42.11% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.62% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.21% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -39.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | J.P. Morgan Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 10, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JEMA vs VYM Performance
JPMorgan ActiveBuilders Emerging Markets Equity ETF (JEMA) is a ETF from J.P. Morgan Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JEMA returned +42.11% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, JEMA is up 22.00% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, JEMA compounded at +23.62% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.21% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +6.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JEMA has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.8% 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 -39.5% for JEMA 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 0.58. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JEMA charges 0.34% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $4 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JEMA currently yields 2.41% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
JEMA and VYM share 5 holdings out of 1058 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JEMA or VYM?
JEMA has an expense ratio of 0.34% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JEMA or VYM?
Over the past year JEMA returned +42.11% vs +23.48% for VYM, so JEMA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), JEMA annualized +6.40% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JEMA or VYM?
JEMA has been the more volatile fund at 17.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: JEMA -39.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JEMA and VYM?
JEMA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.58, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JEMA and VYM?
JEMA and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1058 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JEMA or VYM?
JEMA yields 2.41% while VYM yields 2.24%, so JEMA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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