DOCT vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October 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 | DOCT | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $382M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +7.27% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.41% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.60% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.99% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 50.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 16, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DOCT vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Deep Buffer ETF - October (DOCT) 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 DOCT returned +13.41% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, DOCT is up 7.27% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, DOCT compounded at +10.60% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.99% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, DOCT has the edge at +24.87% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DOCT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 50.3% 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 -9.9% for DOCT 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 0.00. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DOCT 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, DOCT currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DOCT 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, DOCT or VYM?
DOCT 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, DOCT or VYM?
Over the past year DOCT returned +13.41% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), DOCT annualized +24.87% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DOCT or VYM?
DOCT has been the more volatile fund at 50.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DOCT -9.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DOCT and VYM?
DOCT and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.00, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DOCT and VYM?
DOCT and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DOCT or VYM?
DOCT yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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