BUFE vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: TiedMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBUFEVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.05%0.04%
AUM$4M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings4568
YTD Return+3.85%+15.80%
1Y Return-+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)-14.6%
Max Drawdown-5.6%-58.8%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)Vanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 7, 2026Nov 10, 2006

BUFE vs VYM Performance

FT Vest Laddered Emerging Markets Buffer ETF (BUFE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Year to date, BUFE is up 3.85% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -5.6% for BUFE and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BUFE charges 1.05% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $105 vs $4 annually, a gap of $101 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUFE currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

BUFE and VYM share 0 holdings out of 562 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, BUFE or VYM?

BUFE has an expense ratio of 1.05% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $101 per year of difference.

What is the holdings overlap between BUFE and VYM?

BUFE and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 562 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, BUFE or VYM?

BUFE yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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