BFJL vs VYM
FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy Floor15 ETF - July 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BFJL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $3M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.46% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -5.58% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | -16.14% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -21.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 30, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BFJL vs VYM Performance
FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy Floor15 ETF - July (BFJL) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BFJL returned -16.14% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, BFJL is down 5.58% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 10.0% for BFJL. 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 -21.3% for BFJL 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 -0.18. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BFJL charges 0.90% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $4 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BFJL currently yields 1.46% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BFJL or VYM?
BFJL has an expense ratio of 0.90% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BFJL or VYM?
Over the past year BFJL returned -16.14% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BFJL annualized -10.62% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BFJL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.0% for BFJL. Worst drawdown: BFJL -21.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BFJL and VYM?
BFJL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.18, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BFJL or VYM?
BFJL yields 1.46% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.