QCAP vs VYM
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - April 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 | QCAP | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $124M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.77% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +8.83% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -9.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QCAP vs VYM Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - April (QCAP) 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 QCAP returned +8.83% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, QCAP is up 5.77% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.9% for QCAP. 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 -9.2% for QCAP 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QCAP charges 0.90% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $90 vs $4 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QCAP currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QCAP 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, QCAP or VYM?
QCAP has an expense ratio of 0.90% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QCAP or VYM?
Over the past year QCAP returned +8.83% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QCAP annualized +10.21% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QCAP or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.9% for QCAP. Worst drawdown: QCAP -9.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QCAP and VYM?
QCAP and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QCAP and VYM?
QCAP and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QCAP or VYM?
QCAP yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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