BUI vs VYM
BUI vs VYM
BlackRock Utility Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust 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 | BUI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.07% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $732M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 9.56% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 52 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +7.81% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.13% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.70% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +8.13% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -48.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | BlackRock, Inc. (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 23, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BUI vs VYM Performance
BlackRock Utility Infrastructure & Power Opportunities Trust (BUI) is a ETF from BlackRock, Inc. (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUI returned +11.13% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BUI is up 7.81% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, BUI compounded at +15.70% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +8.13% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs +4.78%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BUI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -48.3% for BUI 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUI charges 1.07% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $107 vs $4 annually, a gap of $103 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUI currently yields 9.56% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BUI and VYM share 17 holdings out of 593 unique holdings combined, representing a 5.1% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in BUI | Weight in VYM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEE | 7.30% | 0.86% | 6.44% |
| WMB | 4.18% | 0.40% | 3.78% |
| DUK | 4.12% | 0.45% | 3.67% |
| SO | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| UNP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| AEP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| TRGP | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| SRE | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| ETR | Pro | Pro | Pro |
| D | Pro | Pro | Pro |
See all 10 holdings BUI shares with VYM Exact weights in each fund and the difference, for every overlapping position. Get FundXLS Pro: $29/moFirst 500 subscribers, then $49/mo. Cancel anytime. | |||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUI or VYM?
BUI has an expense ratio of 1.07% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $103 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUI or VYM?
Over the past year BUI returned +11.13% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), BUI annualized +4.78% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUI or VYM?
BUI has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BUI -48.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BUI and VYM?
BUI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUI and VYM?
BUI and VYM share 17 common holdings with a 5.1% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 593 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUI or VYM?
BUI yields 9.56% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BUI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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