REMG vs VYM
Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. REMG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | REMG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.64% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $113M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.11% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 383 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +20.17% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +37.73% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 20.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Russell Investments | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 29, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
REMG vs VYM Performance
Russell Investments Emerging Markets Equity ETF (REMG) is a ETF from Russell Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year REMG returned +37.73% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, REMG is up 20.17% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
REMG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 20.5% 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 -14.1% for REMG 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REMG charges 0.64% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $64 vs $4 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REMG currently yields 1.11% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
REMG and VYM share 4 holdings out of 893 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, REMG or VYM?
REMG has an expense ratio of 0.64% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REMG or VYM?
Over the past year REMG returned +37.73% vs +25.03% for VYM, so REMG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), REMG annualized +42.26% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REMG or VYM?
REMG has been the more volatile fund at 20.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: REMG -14.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both REMG and VYM?
REMG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REMG and VYM?
REMG and VYM share 4 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 893 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REMG or VYM?
REMG yields 1.11% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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