VYM vs XAUG
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - August
Which is better, VYM or XAUG?
Large Cap Value against Multi Alternative.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window.
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 | VYM | XAUG |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04%Best | 0.85% |
| AUM | $81.6B | $26M |
| Dividend Yield | 2.22% | 0.00% |
| Holdings | 613 | 12 |
| YTD Return | +11.35%Best | +5.72% |
| 1Y Return | +15.34%Best | +7.91% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.22%Best | +9.59% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | - |
| Volatility (annualized) | 11.0% | 4.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -14.5% | -8.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.1 years | $16,304Best | $13,302 |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) |
| Category | Equity | Alternative |
| Style | Large Cap Value | Multi Alternative |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Aug 18, 2023 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 21, 2023 to Sep 18, 2026 (3.1 years).
VYM vs XAUG 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 3.1 years both funds cover.
VYM vs XAUG Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - August (XAUG) is an ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +15.34% while XAUG returned +7.91%. Year to date, VYM is up 11.35% versus a gain of 5.72% for XAUG.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +17.22% per year against +9.59% for XAUG.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 11.0% compared with 4.3% for XAUG. 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 -14.5% for VYM and -8.7% for XAUG. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XAUG 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 2.22% against 0.00% for XAUG.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of VYM and XAUG 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, VYM or XAUG?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XAUG charges 0.85%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $81 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, VYM or XAUG?
Over the past year VYM returned +15.34% vs +7.91% for XAUG, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, VYM or XAUG?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 11.0% annualized versus 4.3% for XAUG. Worst drawdown: VYM -14.5% vs XAUG -8.7%.
Should I hold both VYM and XAUG?
VYM and XAUG have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, 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, VYM or XAUG?
VYM yields 2.22% while XAUG yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is XAUG better than VYM?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y, 3Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.