JFR vs VYM
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund 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 | JFR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 5.52% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | - | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.89% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 450 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +7.73% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.46% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +11.47% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +6.41% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -69.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Nuveen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Fixed Income | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2004 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JFR vs VYM Performance
Nuveen Floating Rate Income Fund (JFR) is a ETF from Nuveen and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year JFR returned +4.46% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, JFR is up 7.73% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, JFR compounded at +11.47% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +6.41% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs -0.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
JFR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -69.0% for JFR 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 0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JFR charges 5.52% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $552 vs $4 annually, a gap of $548 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, JFR currently yields 11.89% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, JFR or VYM?
JFR has an expense ratio of 5.52% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $548 per year of difference.
Which performed better, JFR or VYM?
Over the past year JFR returned +4.46% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), JFR annualized -0.33% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JFR or VYM?
JFR has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: JFR -69.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JFR and VYM?
JFR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JFR and VYM?
JFR and VYM share 2 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 826 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JFR or VYM?
JFR yields 11.89% while VYM yields 2.86%, so JFR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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