BUSA vs VYM
Brandes US Value ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BUSA delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BUSA | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $327M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.42% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +14.64% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.82% | +21.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.71% | +18.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Brandes Investment Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 3, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BUSA vs VYM Performance
Brandes US Value ETF (BUSA) is a ETF from Brandes Investment Partners and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BUSA returned +22.82% while VYM returned +21.08%. Year to date, BUSA is up 14.64% versus a gain of 14.57% for VYM.
Over three years, BUSA compounded at +19.71% per year against +18.16% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, BUSA has the edge at +19.71% annualized vs +6.99%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.3% for BUSA. 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 -14.2% for BUSA 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 0.94. They move almost in lockstep, so holding both mostly duplicates the same exposure.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BUSA 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, BUSA currently yields 1.42% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BUSA and VYM share 37 holdings out of 631 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, BUSA or VYM?
BUSA 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, BUSA or VYM?
Over the past year BUSA returned +22.82% vs +21.08% for VYM, so BUSA leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), BUSA annualized +19.71% vs +6.99% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BUSA or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.3% for BUSA. Worst drawdown: BUSA -14.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BUSA and VYM?
BUSA and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.94, so they move almost identically. Holding both adds little diversification - most investors pick one, usually on fees or the specific index tracked.
What is the holdings overlap between BUSA and VYM?
BUSA and VYM share 37 common holdings with a 16.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 631 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BUSA or VYM?
BUSA yields 1.42% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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