FMAY vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - May vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, FMAY or VYM?
Option Writing against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | FMAY | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $1.5B | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 10 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +7.23% | +11.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | +10.12% | +15.34%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +13.55% | +17.22%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +9.47% | +12.30%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.1%Best | 13.8% |
| Max Drawdown | -13.6%Best | -15.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $15,721 | $17,861Best |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Option Writing | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | May 15, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: May 18, 2020 to Sep 18, 2026 (6.3 years).
FMAY vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 6.3 years both funds cover.
FMAY vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Buffer ETF - May (FMAY) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year FMAY returned +10.12% while VYM returned +15.34%. Year to date, FMAY is up 7.23% versus a gain of 11.35% for VYM.
Over three years, FMAY compounded at +13.55% per year against +17.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +9.47% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +14.85% annualized vs +10.13%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 13.8% compared with 9.1% for FMAY. 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 -13.6% for FMAY and -15.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.81. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
FMAY 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, FMAY currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of FMAY and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, FMAY or VYM?
FMAY has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $81 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, FMAY or VYM?
Over the past year FMAY returned +10.12% vs +15.34% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), FMAY annualized +10.13% vs +14.85% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, FMAY or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 13.8% annualized versus 9.1% for FMAY. Worst drawdown: FMAY -13.6% vs VYM -15.8%.
Should I hold both FMAY and VYM?
FMAY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.81, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, FMAY or VYM?
FMAY yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than FMAY?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y, 5Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.