QMFE vs VYM
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - February 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 | QMFE | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $48M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.61% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +15.47% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 8.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -11.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 21, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QMFE vs VYM Performance
FT Vest Nasdaq-100 Moderate Buffer ETF - February (QMFE) 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 QMFE returned +15.47% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, QMFE is up 10.61% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 8.3% for QMFE. 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 -11.8% for QMFE 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QMFE 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, QMFE currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QMFE 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, QMFE or VYM?
QMFE 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, QMFE or VYM?
Over the past year QMFE returned +15.47% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), QMFE annualized +15.50% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, QMFE or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 8.3% for QMFE. Worst drawdown: QMFE -11.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both QMFE and VYM?
QMFE and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between QMFE and VYM?
QMFE and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QMFE or VYM?
QMFE yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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