SEEM vs VYM
SEEM vs VYM
SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SEEM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SEEM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $604M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.52% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 249 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +21.71% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +41.15% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 10, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SEEM vs VYM Performance
SEI Select Emerging Markets Equity ETF (SEEM) is a ETF from SEI EXCHANGE TRADED FUNDS and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SEEM returned +41.15% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, SEEM is up 21.71% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SEEM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -14.0% for SEEM 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
SEEM charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SEEM currently yields 2.52% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SEEM and VYM share 0 holdings out of 792 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, SEEM or VYM?
SEEM has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SEEM or VYM?
Over the past year SEEM returned +41.15% vs +26.12% for VYM, so SEEM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SEEM annualized +31.04% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SEEM or VYM?
SEEM has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SEEM -14.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SEEM and VYM?
SEEM 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 SEEM and VYM?
SEEM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 792 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SEEM or VYM?
SEEM yields 2.52% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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