GSEP vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September 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 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GSEP | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $350M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +7.55% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +11.20% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.80% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -10.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 15, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GSEP vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September (GSEP) 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 GSEP returned +11.20% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, GSEP is up 7.55% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, GSEP compounded at +11.80% per year against +18.60% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, GSEP has the edge at +11.80% annualized vs +7.11%. 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 6.0% for GSEP. 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 -10.1% for GSEP 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GSEP 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, GSEP currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GSEP 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, GSEP or VYM?
GSEP 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, GSEP or VYM?
Over the past year GSEP returned +11.20% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), GSEP annualized +11.80% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GSEP or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.0% for GSEP. Worst drawdown: GSEP -10.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GSEP and VYM?
GSEP and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GSEP and VYM?
GSEP and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GSEP or VYM?
GSEP yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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