Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricFEBPVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.04%
AUM$25M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings7568
YTD Return+8.84%+15.80%
1Y Return+16.04%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)6.5%14.6%
Max Drawdown-12.1%-58.8%
Fund FamilyPGIM InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJan 31, 2024Nov 10, 2006

FEBP vs VYM Performance

PGIM S&P 500 Buffer 12 ETF - February (FEBP) is a ETF from PGIM Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FEBP returned +16.04% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, FEBP is up 8.84% 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 6.5% for FEBP. 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 -12.1% for FEBP 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

FEBP charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, FEBP currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, FEBP or VYM?

FEBP has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.

Which performed better, FEBP or VYM?

Over the past year FEBP returned +16.04% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), FEBP annualized +13.58% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, FEBP or VYM?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.5% for FEBP. Worst drawdown: FEBP -12.1% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both FEBP and VYM?

FEBP and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, FEBP or VYM?

FEBP yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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