FJUL vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - July 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 | FJUL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.2B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +9.51% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.33% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +15.91% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.76% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -13.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 16, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
FJUL vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - July (FJUL) 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 FJUL returned +15.33% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, FJUL is up 9.51% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, FJUL compounded at +15.91% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +11.76% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, FJUL has the edge at +12.21% annualized vs +7.08%. 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 9.9% for FJUL. 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 -13.1% for FJUL 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 0.83. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FJUL 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, FJUL currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
FJUL 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, FJUL or VYM?
FJUL 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, FJUL or VYM?
Over the past year FJUL returned +15.33% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FJUL annualized +12.21% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, FJUL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.9% for FJUL. Worst drawdown: FJUL -13.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both FJUL and VYM?
FJUL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.83, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between FJUL and VYM?
FJUL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, FJUL or VYM?
FJUL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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