VYM vs XBJL
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - July
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 | XBJL | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.79% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $77M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +6.58% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +11.34% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | +12.46% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +9.27% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 8.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -11.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | Innovator ETFs Trust | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jun 30, 2021 |
VYM vs XBJL Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and Innovator US Equity Accelerated 9 Buffer ETF - July (XBJL) is a ETF from Innovator ETFs Trust. Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% while XBJL returned +11.34%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.34% versus a gain of 6.58% for XBJL.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.22% per year against +12.46% for XBJL; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +9.27% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, XBJL has the edge at +9.34% annualized vs +7.04%. 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 8.0% for XBJL. 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 -11.8% for XBJL. 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
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XBJL charges 0.79%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $79 annually, a gap of $75 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.24% against 0.00% for XBJL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, VYM or XBJL?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XBJL charges 0.79%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $75 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or XBJL?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% vs +11.34% for XBJL, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs +9.34% for XBJL. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XBJL?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 8.0% for XBJL. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XBJL -11.8%.
Should I hold both VYM and XBJL?
VYM and XBJL have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XBJL?
VYM yields 2.24% while XBJL yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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