DMAR vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, DMAR or VYM?
Option Writing against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DMAR | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $464M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 10 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +9.27% | +12.29%Best |
| 1Y Return | +12.13% | +16.61%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.82% | +17.42%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.84% | +12.12%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0%Best | 13.3% |
| Max Drawdown | -9.8%Best | -15.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,585 | $17,718Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Option Writing | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 19, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 22, 2021 to Sep 17, 2026 (5.5 years).
DMAR vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 5.5 years both funds cover.
DMAR vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - March (DMAR) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DMAR returned +12.13% while VYM returned +16.61%. Year to date, DMAR is up 9.27% versus a gain of 12.29% for VYM.
Over three years, DMAR compounded at +11.82% per year against +17.42% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.84% and +12.12% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +12.15% annualized vs +8.03%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.3% compared with 6.0% for DMAR. 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 -9.8% for DMAR and -15.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DMAR 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, DMAR currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of DMAR and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DMAR or VYM?
DMAR has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $81 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, DMAR or VYM?
Over the past year DMAR returned +12.13% vs +16.61% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DMAR annualized +8.03% vs +12.15% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, DMAR or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.3% annualized versus 6.0% for DMAR. Worst drawdown: DMAR -9.8% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both DMAR and VYM?
DMAR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, DMAR or VYM?
DMAR yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than DMAR?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.