BFOR vs VYM
Barron'S 400 ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BFOR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BFOR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $233M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.68% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 401 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +17.57% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.25% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.70% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.21% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ALPS ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 3, 2013 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BFOR vs VYM Performance
Barron'S 400 ETF (BFOR) is a ETF from ALPS ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BFOR returned +26.25% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BFOR is up 17.57% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, BFOR compounded at +18.70% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.21% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 13-year window we track, BFOR has the edge at +11.35% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BFOR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.6% 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 -42.2% for BFOR 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 0.88. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BFOR charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BFOR currently yields 0.68% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BFOR and VYM share 91 holdings out of 850 unique holdings combined, representing a 10.5% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BFOR or VYM?
BFOR has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BFOR or VYM?
Over the past year BFOR returned +26.25% vs +26.12% for VYM, so BFOR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), BFOR annualized +11.35% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BFOR or VYM?
BFOR has been the more volatile fund at 17.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BFOR -42.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BFOR and VYM?
BFOR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.88, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BFOR and VYM?
BFOR and VYM share 91 common holdings with a 10.5% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 850 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BFOR or VYM?
BFOR yields 0.68% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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