KOKU vs VYM
Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. KOKU offers more diversification with 1,144 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | KOKU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.09% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $819M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.43% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 1,144 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.05% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.59% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.23% | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.92% | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Xtrackers ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
KOKU vs VYM Performance
Xtrackers MSCI Kokusai Equity ETF (KOKU) is a ETF from Xtrackers ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KOKU returned +20.59% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, KOKU is up 12.05% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Over three years, KOKU compounded at +21.23% per year against +18.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.92% and +12.18% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, KOKU has the edge at +18.06% annualized vs +7.01%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KOKU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.3% 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 -25.8% for KOKU 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 0.86. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KOKU charges 0.09% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $9 vs $4 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KOKU currently yields 1.43% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
KOKU and VYM share 233 holdings out of 1479 unique holdings combined, representing a 26.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, KOKU or VYM?
KOKU has an expense ratio of 0.09% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KOKU or VYM?
Over the past year KOKU returned +20.59% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), KOKU annualized +18.06% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KOKU or VYM?
KOKU has been the more volatile fund at 15.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: KOKU -25.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KOKU and VYM?
KOKU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.86, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KOKU and VYM?
KOKU and VYM share 233 common holdings with a 26.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1479 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KOKU or VYM?
KOKU yields 1.43% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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