QCJL vs VYM
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | QCJL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $97M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +7.98% | +15.34% | |
| 1Y Return | +12.58% | +23.24% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.22% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 6.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 19, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QCJL vs VYM Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Conservative Buffer ETF - July (QCJL) 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 QCJL returned +12.58% while VYM returned +23.24%. Year to date, QCJL is up 7.98% versus a gain of 15.34% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 6.4% for QCJL. 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 -11.2% for QCJL 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 0.61. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QCJL 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, QCJL currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QCJL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 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, QCJL or VYM?
QCJL 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, QCJL or VYM?
Over the past year QCJL returned +12.58% vs +23.24% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QCJL annualized +12.17% vs +7.04% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QCJL or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.4% for QCJL. Worst drawdown: QCJL -11.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QCJL and VYM?
QCJL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.61, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QCJL and VYM?
QCJL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QCJL or VYM?
QCJL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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