BMAR vs VYM
Innovator US Equity Buffer ETF - March vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, BMAR or VYM?
Option Writing against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BMAR led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BMAR | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $206M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 12 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +11.06% | +12.29%Best |
| 1Y Return | +14.99% | +16.61%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.47% | +17.42%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.07% | +12.12%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 10.0%Best | 14.0% |
| Max Drawdown | -21.4%Best | -30.4% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $17,679 | $17,718Best |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Option Writing | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Feb 28, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 2, 2020 to Sep 17, 2026 (6.5 years).
BMAR vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6.5 years both funds cover.
BMAR vs VYM Performance
Innovator US Equity Buffer ETF - March (BMAR) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BMAR returned +14.99% while VYM returned +16.61%. Year to date, BMAR is up 11.06% versus a gain of 12.29% for VYM.
Over three years, BMAR compounded at +16.47% per year against +17.42% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +12.07% and +12.12% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BMAR has the edge at +12.84% annualized vs +12.67%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.0% compared with 10.0% for BMAR. 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 -21.4% for BMAR and -30.4% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BMAR charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BMAR currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BMAR and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BMAR or VYM?
BMAR has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $75 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, BMAR or VYM?
Over the past year BMAR returned +14.99% vs +16.61% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BMAR annualized +12.84% vs +12.67% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, BMAR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.0% annualized versus 10.0% for BMAR. Worst drawdown: BMAR -21.4% vs VYM -30.4%.
Should I hold both BMAR and VYM?
BMAR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BMAR or VYM?
BMAR yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than BMAR?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BMAR led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.