HYTI vs VYM
FT Vest High Yield & Target Income ETF 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | HYTI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $91M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 10.45% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +2.74% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.56% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 12, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
HYTI vs VYM Performance
FT Vest High Yield & Target Income ETF (HYTI) 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 HYTI returned +5.56% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, HYTI is up 2.74% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 2.6% for HYTI. 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 -4.5% for HYTI 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 0.73. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
HYTI charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HYTI currently yields 10.45% against 2.24% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, HYTI or VYM?
HYTI has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, HYTI or VYM?
Over the past year HYTI returned +5.56% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), HYTI annualized +6.49% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, HYTI or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.6% for HYTI. Worst drawdown: HYTI -4.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both HYTI and VYM?
HYTI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.73, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, HYTI or VYM?
HYTI yields 10.45% while VYM yields 2.24%, so HYTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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