UDEC vs VYM
Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - December vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, UDEC or VYM?
Option Writing against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. UDEC led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UDEC | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.79% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $246M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 12 | 613 |
| YTD Return | +7.60% | +11.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | +11.97% | +15.34%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +12.12% | +17.22%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +7.64% | +12.30%Best |
| Volatility (annualized) | 7.4%Best | 14.6% |
| Max Drawdown | -13.4%Best | -58.8% |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $14,450 | $17,861Best |
| Fund Family | Innovator ETFs Trust | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Option Writing | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Dec 1, 2019 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Dec 2, 2019 to Sep 18, 2026 (19.8 years).
UDEC vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 19.8 years both funds cover.
UDEC vs VYM Performance
Innovator US Equity Ultra Buffer ETF - December (UDEC) is an ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UDEC returned +11.97% while VYM returned +15.34%. Year to date, UDEC is up 7.60% versus a gain of 11.35% for VYM.
Over three years, UDEC compounded at +12.12% per year against +17.22% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +7.64% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 7-year window we track, UDEC has the edge at +7.36% annualized vs +6.82%.
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 7.4% for UDEC. 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 -13.4% for UDEC and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.18. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UDEC charges 0.79% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $79 vs $4 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, UDEC currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of UDEC and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UDEC or VYM?
UDEC has an expense ratio of 0.79% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $75 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, UDEC or VYM?
Over the past year UDEC returned +11.97% vs +15.34% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (7 years), UDEC annualized +7.36% vs +6.82% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, UDEC or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.4% for UDEC. Worst drawdown: UDEC -13.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UDEC and VYM?
UDEC and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.18, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, UDEC or VYM?
UDEC yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than UDEC?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. UDEC led over the full window, VYM over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.