MKOR vs VYM
Matthews Korea Active ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MKOR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MKOR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $137M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.81% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 47 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +71.58% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +127.15% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +39.55% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 37.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -29.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Matthews Asia Funds | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 29, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MKOR vs VYM Performance
Matthews Korea Active ETF (MKOR) is a ETF from Matthews Asia Funds and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MKOR returned +127.15% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, MKOR is up 71.58% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, MKOR compounded at +39.55% per year against +19.03% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, MKOR has the edge at +34.97% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MKOR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 37.1% 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 -29.4% for MKOR 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 0.49. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MKOR charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MKOR currently yields 1.81% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MKOR and VYM share 0 holdings out of 654 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MKOR or VYM?
MKOR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MKOR or VYM?
Over the past year MKOR returned +127.15% vs +24.22% for VYM, so MKOR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MKOR annualized +34.97% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MKOR or VYM?
MKOR has been the more volatile fund at 37.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MKOR -29.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MKOR and VYM?
MKOR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.49, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MKOR and VYM?
MKOR and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 654 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MKOR or VYM?
MKOR yields 1.81% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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