EZU vs VYM
EZU vs VYM
iShares MSCI Eurozone 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 | EZU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $9.4B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.66% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 228 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.26% | +15.20% | |
| 1Y Return | +21.94% | +25.56% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.26% | +17.86% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.79% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 25, 2000 | Nov 10, 2006 |
EZU vs VYM Performance
iShares MSCI Eurozone ETF (EZU) 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 EZU returned +21.94% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, EZU is up 9.26% versus a gain of 15.20% for VYM.
Over three years, EZU compounded at +18.26% per year against +17.86% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.79% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs +5.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EZU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.0% 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 -69.8% for EZU 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 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EZU charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EZU currently yields 2.66% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
EZU and VYM share 3 holdings out of 777 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EZU or VYM?
EZU has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, EZU or VYM?
Over the past year EZU returned +21.94% vs +25.56% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EZU annualized +5.48% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, EZU or VYM?
EZU has been the more volatile fund at 21.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EZU -69.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EZU and VYM?
EZU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between EZU and VYM?
EZU and VYM share 3 common holdings with a 0.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 777 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, EZU or VYM?
EZU yields 2.66% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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