QEFA vs VYM
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QEFA offers more diversification with 680 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QEFA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.1B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.75% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 680 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +12.68% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.03% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.77% | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.83% | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 4, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QEFA vs VYM Performance
State Street SPDR MSCI EAFE StrategicFactors ETF (QEFA) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QEFA returned +20.03% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, QEFA is up 12.68% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Over three years, QEFA compounded at +17.77% per year against +19.07% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.83% and +12.50% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +5.75%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.3% for QEFA. 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 -32.7% for QEFA 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QEFA charges 0.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $30 vs $4 annually, a gap of $26 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QEFA currently yields 2.75% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QEFA or VYM?
QEFA has an expense ratio of 0.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $26 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QEFA or VYM?
Over the past year QEFA returned +20.03% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), QEFA annualized +5.75% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QEFA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.3% for QEFA. Worst drawdown: QEFA -32.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QEFA and VYM?
QEFA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QEFA and VYM?
QEFA and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1235 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QEFA or VYM?
QEFA yields 2.75% while VYM yields 2.24%, so QEFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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