HAWX vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. HAWX delivered stronger 1-year returns. HAWX offers more diversification with 1379 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: HAWXMore Diversified: HAWX

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHAWXVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.35%0.04%
AUM$346M$79.0B
Dividend Yield2.38%2.86%
Holdings2,085568
YTD Return+15.48%+15.20%
1Y Return+31.97%+25.56%
3Y Return (annualized)+20.98%+17.86%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.06%+12.35%
Volatility (annualized)12.4%14.6%
Max Drawdown-30.6%-58.8%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionJun 29, 2015Nov 10, 2006

HAWX vs VYM Performance

iShares Currency Hedged MSCI ACWI ex US ETF (HAWX) 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 HAWX returned +31.97% while VYM returned +25.56%. Year to date, HAWX is up 15.48% versus a gain of 15.20% for VYM.

Over three years, HAWX compounded at +20.98% per year against +17.86% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +13.06% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, HAWX has the edge at +8.46% annualized vs +7.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.4% for HAWX. 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 -30.6% for HAWX 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 0.82. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HAWX charges 0.35% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $35 vs $4 annually, a gap of $31 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HAWX currently yields 2.38% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.2%overlap

HAWX and VYM share 5 holdings out of 1932 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.2% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in HAWXWeight in VYMDifference
MRK0.06%1.37%1.31%
BAP:BM0.07%0.10%0.03%
SCCO0.04%0.08%0.04%
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Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, HAWX or VYM?

HAWX has an expense ratio of 0.35% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $31 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HAWX or VYM?

Over the past year HAWX returned +31.97% vs +25.56% for VYM, so HAWX leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), HAWX annualized +8.46% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HAWX or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.4% for HAWX. Worst drawdown: HAWX -30.6% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both HAWX and VYM?

HAWX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.82, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HAWX and VYM?

HAWX and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 0.2% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1932 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HAWX or VYM?

HAWX yields 2.38% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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