BESF vs VYM
Bastion Energy ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BESF delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BESF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.80% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $34M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 5.85% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 21 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +17.16% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +63.64% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | EA Series Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BESF vs VYM Performance
Bastion Energy ETF (BESF) is a ETF from EA Series Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BESF returned +63.64% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, BESF is up 17.16% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BESF has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -11.0% for BESF 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 -0.06. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BESF charges 0.80% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $80 vs $4 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BESF currently yields 5.85% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BESF and VYM share 8 holdings out of 617 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BESF or VYM?
BESF has an expense ratio of 0.80% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BESF or VYM?
Over the past year BESF returned +63.64% vs +24.22% for VYM, so BESF leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BESF annualized +56.84% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BESF or VYM?
BESF has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BESF -11.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BESF and VYM?
BESF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.06, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BESF and VYM?
BESF and VYM share 8 common holdings with a 1.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 617 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BESF or VYM?
BESF yields 5.85% while VYM yields 2.24%, so BESF currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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