JULM vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - July 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 | JULM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $29M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +4.08% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +6.34% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 2.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -4.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 24, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
JULM vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - July (JULM) 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 JULM returned +6.34% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, JULM is up 4.08% 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 2.7% for JULM. 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 -4.4% for JULM 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
JULM 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, JULM currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
JULM 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, JULM or VYM?
JULM 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, JULM or VYM?
Over the past year JULM returned +6.34% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), JULM annualized +7.17% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, JULM or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.7% for JULM. Worst drawdown: JULM -4.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both JULM and VYM?
JULM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between JULM and VYM?
JULM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, JULM or VYM?
JULM yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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