QMAG vs VYM
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - August 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 | QMAG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $53M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +8.76% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +14.08% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -12.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 16, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QMAG vs VYM Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - August (QMAG) 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 QMAG returned +14.08% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, QMAG is up 8.76% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 7.5% for QMAG. 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 -12.4% for QMAG 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 0.59. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QMAG 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, QMAG currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QMAG 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, QMAG or VYM?
QMAG 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, QMAG or VYM?
Over the past year QMAG returned +14.08% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QMAG annualized +13.07% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QMAG or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.5% for QMAG. Worst drawdown: QMAG -12.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QMAG and VYM?
QMAG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.59, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QMAG and VYM?
QMAG and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QMAG or VYM?
QMAG yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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