DMAY vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May 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 | DMAY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $372M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.99% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.72% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.68% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.17% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DMAY vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - May (DMAY) 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 DMAY returned +10.72% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, DMAY is up 5.99% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, DMAY compounded at +11.68% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.17% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DMAY has the edge at +7.40% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 7.2% for DMAY. 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 -13.9% for DMAY 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 0.71. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DMAY 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, DMAY currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DMAY 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, DMAY or VYM?
DMAY 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, DMAY or VYM?
Over the past year DMAY returned +10.72% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DMAY annualized +7.40% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DMAY or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.2% for DMAY. Worst drawdown: DMAY -13.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DMAY and VYM?
DMAY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.71, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DMAY and VYM?
DMAY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DMAY or VYM?
DMAY yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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