BCKT vs VYM
LifeX 2030 Income Bucket 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BCKT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 20.32% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 38 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | -7.08% | +14.18% | |
| 1Y Return | -6.07% | +20.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.47% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.7% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -7.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Stone Ridge Asset Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 24, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BCKT vs VYM Performance
LifeX 2030 Income Bucket ETF (BCKT) is a ETF from Stone Ridge Asset Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BCKT returned -6.07% while VYM returned +20.67%. Year to date, BCKT is down 7.08% versus a gain of 14.18% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 3.7% for BCKT. 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 -7.9% for BCKT 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BCKT charges 0.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $25 vs $4 annually, a gap of $21 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BCKT currently yields 20.32% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BCKT and VYM share 0 holdings out of 626 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, BCKT or VYM?
BCKT has an expense ratio of 0.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $21 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BCKT or VYM?
Over the past year BCKT returned -6.07% vs +20.67% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BCKT or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 3.7% for BCKT. Worst drawdown: BCKT -7.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BCKT and VYM?
BCKT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BCKT and VYM?
BCKT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 626 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BCKT or VYM?
BCKT yields 20.32% while VYM yields 2.24%, so BCKT currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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