QBUF vs VYM
Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly 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 | QBUF | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $161M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.32% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +10.07% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 4.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -8.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 1, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QBUF vs VYM Performance
Innovator Nasdaq-100 10 Buffer ETF - Quarterly (QBUF) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QBUF returned +10.07% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, QBUF is up 5.32% 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 4.5% for QBUF. 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 QBUF 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QBUF charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QBUF currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, QBUF or VYM?
QBUF has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QBUF or VYM?
Over the past year QBUF returned +10.07% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QBUF annualized +10.73% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QBUF or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.5% for QBUF. Worst drawdown: QBUF -8.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QBUF and VYM?
QBUF and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, QBUF or VYM?
QBUF 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.