VYM vs XDEC
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - December
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 | XDEC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $203M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +14.84% | +6.59% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.88% | +9.90% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.34% | +9.74% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.04% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 6.9% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -11.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Dec 17, 2021 |
VYM vs XDEC Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - December (XDEC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +20.88% while XDEC returned +9.90%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.84% versus a gain of 6.59% for XDEC.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.34% per year against +9.74% for XDEC. Across the full 5-year window we track, XDEC has the edge at +8.15% annualized vs +7.01%. 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 6.9% for XDEC. 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 XDEC. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XDEC 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 XDEC.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XDEC 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 XDEC?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XDEC 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 XDEC?
Over the past year VYM returned +20.88% vs +9.90% for XDEC, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +8.15% for XDEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XDEC?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 6.9% for XDEC. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XDEC -11.8%.
Should I hold both VYM and XDEC?
VYM and XDEC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XDEC?
VYM and XDEC share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XDEC?
VYM yields 2.24% while XDEC yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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