IFEB vs VYM
Innovator International Developed Power 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 | IFEB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $62M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +6.11% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.73% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 1, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IFEB vs VYM Performance
Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - February (IFEB) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IFEB returned +10.73% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, IFEB is up 6.11% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 7.0% for IFEB. 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 -8.8% for IFEB 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IFEB 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, IFEB currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IFEB or VYM?
IFEB 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, IFEB or VYM?
Over the past year IFEB returned +10.73% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), IFEB annualized +10.18% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IFEB or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.0% for IFEB. Worst drawdown: IFEB -8.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IFEB and VYM?
IFEB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IFEB or VYM?
IFEB yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.