PEMX vs VYM
Putnam Emerging Markets ex-China ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. PEMX delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PEMX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $31M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.99% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 57 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +29.16% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +48.43% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +31.86% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -19.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Putnam Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 17, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PEMX vs VYM Performance
Putnam Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (PEMX) is a ETF from Putnam Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PEMX returned +48.43% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, PEMX is up 29.16% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, PEMX compounded at +31.86% per year against +18.54% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, PEMX has the edge at +30.93% annualized vs +7.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PEMX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.5% 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 -19.0% for PEMX 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PEMX charges 0.69% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $4 annually, a gap of $65 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PEMX currently yields 4.99% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
PEMX and VYM share 0 holdings out of 610 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, PEMX or VYM?
PEMX has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $65 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PEMX or VYM?
Over the past year PEMX returned +48.43% vs +25.03% for VYM, so PEMX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), PEMX annualized +30.93% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PEMX or VYM?
PEMX has been the more volatile fund at 18.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PEMX -19.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PEMX and VYM?
PEMX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between PEMX and VYM?
PEMX and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 610 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, PEMX or VYM?
PEMX yields 4.99% while VYM yields 2.86%, so PEMX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.