VYM vs XAPR
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - April
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 | VYM | XAPR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $30M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +14.66% | +4.94% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.16% | +7.83% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 2.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -6.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Apr 19, 2024 |
VYM vs XAPR Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - April (XAPR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% while XAPR returned +7.83%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.66% versus a gain of 4.94% for XAPR.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 2.5% for XAPR. 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 -58.8% for VYM and -6.2% for XAPR. 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 0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XAPR charges 0.85%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $85 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 0.00% for XAPR.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XAPR 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, VYM or XAPR?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XAPR charges 0.85%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XAPR?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% vs +7.83% for XAPR, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +11.16% for XAPR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XAPR?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.5% for XAPR. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XAPR -6.2%.
Should I hold both VYM and XAPR?
VYM and XAPR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XAPR?
VYM and XAPR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XAPR?
VYM yields 2.24% while XAPR yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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