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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BFJL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.42% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 18 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +1.16% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | -7.88% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.9% | 14.5% | |
| 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 -7.88% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, BFJL is up 1.16% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.5% compared with 12.9% 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 -0.19. 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 1.42% against 2.24% 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 -7.88% vs +21.39% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), BFJL annualized -4.65% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BFJL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.5% annualized versus 12.9% 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 -0.19, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, BFJL or VYM?
BFJL yields 1.42% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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