HEFA vs VYM
HEFA vs VYM
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. HEFA offers more diversification with 648 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HEFA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.35% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7.5B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.95% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 786 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.38% | +13.82% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.73% | +24.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.08% | +17.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.24% | +12.13% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -45.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 31, 2014 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HEFA vs VYM Performance
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI EAFE ETF (HEFA) 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 HEFA returned +23.73% while VYM returned +24.08%. Year to date, HEFA is up 11.38% versus a gain of 13.82% for VYM.
Over three years, HEFA compounded at +18.08% per year against +17.72% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.24% and +12.13% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, HEFA has the edge at +9.62% annualized vs +6.98%. 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 12.3% for HEFA. 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 -45.6% for HEFA 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
HEFA 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, HEFA currently yields 2.95% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
HEFA and VYM share 2 holdings out of 1204 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HEFA or VYM?
HEFA 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, HEFA or VYM?
Over the past year HEFA returned +23.73% vs +24.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), HEFA annualized +9.62% vs +6.98% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HEFA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.3% for HEFA. Worst drawdown: HEFA -45.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HEFA and VYM?
HEFA 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 HEFA and VYM?
HEFA and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 1204 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, HEFA or VYM?
HEFA yields 2.95% while VYM yields 2.86%, so HEFA currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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