EFG vs VYM
EFG vs VYM
iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.34% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $16.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 380 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.43% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.77% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.10% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.62% | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 1, 2005 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EFG vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (EFG) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EFG returned +14.77% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, EFG is up 5.43% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Over three years, EFG compounded at +10.10% per year against +16.97% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.62% and +12.26% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.96% annualized vs +6.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% 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 -58.9% for EFG 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFG charges 0.34% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $34 vs $4 annually, a gap of $30 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFG currently yields 2.24% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFG or VYM?
EFG has an expense ratio of 0.34% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $30 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFG or VYM?
Over the past year EFG returned +14.77% vs +23.76% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EFG annualized +6.11% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFG or VYM?
EFG has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EFG -58.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EFG and VYM?
EFG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFG and VYM?
EFG and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 913 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFG or VYM?
EFG yields 2.24% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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