DHDG vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Quarterly 2.5 to 15 Buffer 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 | DHDG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $72M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.19% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.59% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 18, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DHDG vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Quarterly 2.5 to 15 Buffer ETF (DHDG) 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 DHDG returned +16.59% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, DHDG is up 10.19% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 6.6% for DHDG. 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 -8.3% for DHDG 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DHDG 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, DHDG currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DHDG and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DHDG or VYM?
DHDG 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, DHDG or VYM?
Over the past year DHDG returned +16.59% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), DHDG annualized +12.49% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DHDG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.6% for DHDG. Worst drawdown: DHDG -8.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DHDG and VYM?
DHDG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DHDG and VYM?
DHDG and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DHDG or VYM?
DHDG yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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