EMD vs VYM
EMD vs VYM
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc 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 | EMD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.59% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $636M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.68% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 278 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +4.47% | +15.45% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.22% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.43% | +17.96% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +5.13% | +12.54% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2003 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EMD vs VYM Performance
Western Asset Emerging Markets Debt Fund Inc (EMD) is a ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EMD returned +16.22% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, EMD is up 4.47% versus a gain of 15.45% for VYM.
Over three years, EMD compounded at +17.43% per year against +17.96% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +5.13% and +12.54% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.06% annualized vs -0.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EMD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.2% 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 -64.5% for EMD 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 0.66. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EMD charges 1.59% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $159 vs $4 annually, a gap of $155 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EMD currently yields 9.68% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EMD and VYM share 0 holdings out of 694 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, EMD or VYM?
EMD has an expense ratio of 1.59% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $155 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EMD or VYM?
Over the past year EMD returned +16.22% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EMD annualized -0.33% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EMD or VYM?
EMD has been the more volatile fund at 17.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EMD -64.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EMD and VYM?
EMD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.66, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EMD and VYM?
EMD and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 694 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EMD or VYM?
EMD yields 9.68% while VYM yields 2.86%, so EMD currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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