SMAY vs VYM
FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - May 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 | SMAY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.90% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $110M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 5 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +10.22% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.67% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.88% | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 9.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 19, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMAY vs VYM Performance
FT Vest US Small Cap Moderate Buffer ETF - May (SMAY) 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 SMAY returned +16.67% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, SMAY is up 10.22% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Over three years, SMAY compounded at +10.88% per year against +18.54% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, SMAY has the edge at +11.47% annualized vs +7.10%. 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 9.7% for SMAY. 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 -14.4% for SMAY 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMAY 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, SMAY currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMAY 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, SMAY or VYM?
SMAY 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, SMAY or VYM?
Over the past year SMAY returned +16.67% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SMAY annualized +11.47% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMAY or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 9.7% for SMAY. Worst drawdown: SMAY -14.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMAY and VYM?
SMAY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMAY and VYM?
SMAY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMAY or VYM?
SMAY yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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