BUL vs VYM
Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BUL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $132M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.22% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 51 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +16.32% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +27.84% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.72% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.47% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 19.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -37.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 2, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BUL vs VYM Performance
Pacer US Cash Cows Growth ETF (BUL) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUL returned +27.84% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BUL is up 16.32% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, BUL compounded at +21.72% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.47% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, BUL has the edge at +14.58% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BUL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 19.8% 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 -37.3% for BUL 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 0.87. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUL charges 0.60% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $4 annually, a gap of $56 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BUL currently yields 0.22% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BUL and VYM share 7 holdings out of 602 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUL or VYM?
BUL has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $56 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BUL or VYM?
Over the past year BUL returned +27.84% vs +26.12% for VYM, so BUL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), BUL annualized +14.58% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUL or VYM?
BUL has been the more volatile fund at 19.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BUL -37.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BUL and VYM?
BUL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.87, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BUL and VYM?
BUL and VYM share 7 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 602 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUL or VYM?
BUL yields 0.22% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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