EHI vs VYM
Western Asset Global High Income Fund Inc vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, EHI or VYM?
High Yield Bond against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | EHI | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.89% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $183M | $78.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 13.82% | 2.37% |
| Holdings | 419 | 608 |
| YTD Return | -7.71% | +11.83%Best |
| 1Y Return | -5.51% | +15.96%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +7.77% | +18.60%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -1.57% | +11.51%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.0% | 14.6%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -64.0% | -58.8%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $9,239 | $17,241Best |
| Fund Family | Franklin Templeton Investments (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Style | High Yield Bond | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jul 29, 2003 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Nov 16, 2006 to Oct 14, 2026 (19.9 years).
EHI vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 19.9 years both funds cover.
EHI vs VYM Performance
Western Asset Global High Income Fund Inc (EHI) is an ETF from Franklin Templeton Investments (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year EHI returned -5.51% while VYM returned +15.96%. Year to date, EHI is down 7.71% versus a gain of 11.83% for VYM.
Over three years, EHI compounded at +7.77% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -1.57% and +11.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +6.82% annualized vs -1.21%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
EHI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.0% 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 -64.0% for EHI and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.68. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
EHI charges 1.89% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $189 vs $4 annually, a gap of $185 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, EHI currently yields 13.82% against 2.37% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 24 holdings in EHI and 602 in VYM, totalling 4.6% and 100.0% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 24 positions we hold weights for in EHI and 602 in VYM, against full books of 419 and 608.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of EHI and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, EHI or VYM?
EHI has an expense ratio of 1.89% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $185 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, EHI or VYM?
Over the past year EHI returned -5.51% vs +15.96% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), EHI annualized -1.21% vs +6.82% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, EHI or VYM?
EHI has been the more volatile fund at 17.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: EHI -64.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both EHI and VYM?
EHI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, EHI or VYM?
EHI yields 13.82% while VYM yields 2.37%, so EHI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than EHI?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.