FEBM vs VYM
FEBM vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - February 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 | FEBM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $48M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +3.81% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.91% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FEBM vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - February (FEBM) 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 FEBM returned +6.91% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FEBM is up 3.81% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 2.5% for FEBM. 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 -2.6% for FEBM 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FEBM 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, FEBM currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FEBM 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, FEBM or VYM?
FEBM 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, FEBM or VYM?
Over the past year FEBM returned +6.91% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), FEBM annualized +6.47% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FEBM or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.5% for FEBM. Worst drawdown: FEBM -2.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FEBM and VYM?
FEBM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FEBM and VYM?
FEBM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FEBM or VYM?
FEBM yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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