VYM vs XCNY
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P Emerging Markets ex-China ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. XCNY delivered stronger 1-year returns. XCNY offers more diversification with 1195 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XCNY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.19% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $9M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 2.26% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 1,234 | |
| YTD Return | +16.53% | +18.12% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.03% | +29.74% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.54% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.25% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 14.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -18.9% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | SPDR State Street Global Advisors | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Sep 4, 2024 |
VYM vs XCNY Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and State Street SPDR S&P Emerging Markets ex-China ETF (XCNY) is a ETF from SPDR State Street Global Advisors. Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% while XCNY returned +29.74%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.53% versus a gain of 18.12% for XCNY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 14.3% for XCNY. 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 -58.8% for VYM and -18.9% for XCNY. 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 0.42. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XCNY charges 0.19%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $19 annually, a gap of $15 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 2.26% for XCNY.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XCNY share 4 holdings out of 1749 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, VYM or XCNY?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XCNY charges 0.19%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $15 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XCNY?
Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% vs +29.74% for XCNY, so XCNY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VYM annualized +7.10% vs +19.39% for XCNY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XCNY?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 14.3% for XCNY. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XCNY -18.9%.
Should I hold both VYM and XCNY?
VYM and XCNY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.42, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XCNY?
VYM and XCNY share 4 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1749 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XCNY?
VYM yields 2.86% while XCNY yields 2.26%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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