MAYM vs VYM
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - May 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 | MAYM | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $39M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +3.03% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +5.56% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 1.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -1.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 16, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MAYM vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Equity Max Buffer ETF - May (MAYM) 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 MAYM returned +5.56% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, MAYM is up 3.03% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 1.6% for MAYM. 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 -1.2% for MAYM 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 0.74. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MAYM 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, MAYM currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MAYM 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, MAYM or VYM?
MAYM 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, MAYM or VYM?
Over the past year MAYM returned +5.56% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MAYM annualized +5.93% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MAYM or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.6% for MAYM. Worst drawdown: MAYM -1.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MAYM and VYM?
MAYM and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.74, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MAYM and VYM?
MAYM and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MAYM or VYM?
MAYM yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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