QDEC vs VYM
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - December 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 | QDEC | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $682M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.83% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.01% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +16.93% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.13% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 12.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 18, 2020 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QDEC vs VYM Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Buffer ETF - December (QDEC) 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 QDEC returned +20.01% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, QDEC is up 10.83% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, QDEC compounded at +16.93% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +10.13% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, QDEC has the edge at +11.19% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 12.2% for QDEC. 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 -25.3% for QDEC 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
QDEC 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, QDEC currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QDEC 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, QDEC or VYM?
QDEC 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, QDEC or VYM?
Over the past year QDEC returned +20.01% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), QDEC annualized +11.19% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QDEC or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 12.2% for QDEC. Worst drawdown: QDEC -25.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QDEC and VYM?
QDEC 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 QDEC and VYM?
QDEC and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QDEC or VYM?
QDEC yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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