GFEB vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Moderate 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 | GFEB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $378M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +7.51% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.14% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.52% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 17, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GFEB vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - February (GFEB) 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 GFEB returned +13.14% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, GFEB is up 7.51% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, GFEB compounded at +12.52% per year against +18.25% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, GFEB has the edge at +13.29% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 6.2% for GFEB. 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 -9.6% for GFEB 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 0.75. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GFEB 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, GFEB currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GFEB 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, GFEB or VYM?
GFEB 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, GFEB or VYM?
Over the past year GFEB returned +13.14% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), GFEB annualized +13.29% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GFEB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.2% for GFEB. Worst drawdown: GFEB -9.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GFEB and VYM?
GFEB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.75, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GFEB and VYM?
GFEB and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GFEB or VYM?
GFEB yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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