DFII vs VYM
FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF 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 | DFII | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $17M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 25.66% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -28.65% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | -45.46% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -51.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 2, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DFII vs VYM Performance
FT Vest Bitcoin Strategy & Target Income ETF (DFII) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFII returned -45.46% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, DFII is down 28.65% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFII has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.5% 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 -51.0% for DFII 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFII charges 0.85% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $4 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFII currently yields 25.66% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFII or VYM?
DFII has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFII or VYM?
Over the past year DFII returned -45.46% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), DFII annualized -17.75% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFII or VYM?
DFII has been the more volatile fund at 34.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DFII -51.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DFII and VYM?
DFII and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFII or VYM?
DFII yields 25.66% while VYM yields 2.86%, so DFII currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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