BULD vs VYM
Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BULD delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BULD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.49% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $15M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.79% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 59 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +42.16% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +60.46% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +24.04% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 27.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -27.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Pacer ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 4, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BULD vs VYM Performance
Pacer BlueStar Engineering the Future ETF (BULD) is a ETF from Pacer ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BULD returned +60.46% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, BULD is up 42.16% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, BULD compounded at +24.04% per year against +18.60% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, BULD has the edge at +16.67% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BULD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 27.6% 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 -27.6% for BULD 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
BULD charges 0.49% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $49 vs $4 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BULD currently yields 0.79% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BULD and VYM share 4 holdings out of 616 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BULD or VYM?
BULD has an expense ratio of 0.49% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BULD or VYM?
Over the past year BULD returned +60.46% vs +24.43% for VYM, so BULD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), BULD annualized +16.67% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BULD or VYM?
BULD has been the more volatile fund at 27.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BULD -27.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BULD and VYM?
BULD 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 BULD and VYM?
BULD and VYM share 4 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 616 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BULD or VYM?
BULD yields 0.79% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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