JANM vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - January 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 | JANM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $36M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +3.64% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.57% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -2.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 17, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JANM vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - January (JANM) 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 JANM returned +6.57% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, JANM is up 3.64% versus a gain of 16.53% 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 JANM. 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 -2.8% for JANM 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JANM 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, JANM currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
JANM 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, JANM or VYM?
JANM 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, JANM or VYM?
Over the past year JANM returned +6.57% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), JANM annualized +6.10% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JANM or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.6% for JANM. Worst drawdown: JANM -2.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JANM and VYM?
JANM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JANM and VYM?
JANM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JANM or VYM?
JANM 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.