BKUI vs VYM
BNY Mellon Ultra Short Income 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BKUI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.12% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $574M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.20% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 161 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +1.66% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +3.53% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +4.79% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +3.40% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BNY Mellon Investment Management | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 9, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BKUI vs VYM Performance
BNY Mellon Ultra Short Income ETF (BKUI) is a ETF from BNY Mellon Investment Management and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BKUI returned +3.53% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BKUI is up 1.66% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, BKUI compounded at +4.79% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +3.40% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +3.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 1.0% for BKUI. 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 -1.7% for BKUI 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BKUI charges 0.12% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $12 vs $4 annually, a gap of $8 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BKUI currently yields 4.20% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BKUI and VYM share 0 holdings out of 665 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, BKUI or VYM?
BKUI has an expense ratio of 0.12% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $8 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BKUI or VYM?
Over the past year BKUI returned +3.53% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), BKUI annualized +3.40% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BKUI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.0% for BKUI. Worst drawdown: BKUI -1.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BKUI and VYM?
BKUI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BKUI and VYM?
BKUI and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 665 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BKUI or VYM?
BKUI yields 4.20% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BKUI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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