EFV vs VYM
EFV vs VYM
iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. EFV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EFV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.31% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $28.3B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.78% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 427 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +12.08% | +13.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.61% | +23.76% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.33% | +16.97% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.79% | +12.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 36.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -74.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 1, 2005 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EFV vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI EAFE Value ETF (EFV) 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 EFV returned +30.61% while VYM returned +23.76%. Year to date, EFV is up 12.08% versus a gain of 13.24% for VYM.
Over three years, EFV compounded at +21.33% per year against +16.97% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.79% and +12.26% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.96% annualized vs +6.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EFV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 36.3% 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 -74.5% for EFV 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 0.84. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EFV charges 0.31% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $31 vs $4 annually, a gap of $27 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EFV currently yields 4.78% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EFV and VYM share 1 holdings out of 956 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in EFV | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| MRK | 0.19% | 1.37% | 1.18% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EFV or VYM?
EFV has an expense ratio of 0.31% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $27 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EFV or VYM?
Over the past year EFV returned +30.61% vs +23.76% for VYM, so EFV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EFV annualized +6.25% vs +6.96% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EFV or VYM?
EFV has been the more volatile fund at 36.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EFV -74.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EFV and VYM?
EFV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.84, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EFV and VYM?
EFV and VYM share 1 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 956 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EFV or VYM?
EFV yields 4.78% while VYM yields 2.86%, so EFV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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