VYM vs XFEB
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - February
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XFEB | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $31M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +16.16% | +6.11% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.05% | +10.30% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.43% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 4.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -9.1% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Feb 20, 2024 |
VYM vs XFEB Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - February (XFEB) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +26.05% while XFEB returned +10.30%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.16% versus a gain of 6.11% for XFEB.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 4.6% for XFEB. 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 -9.1% for XFEB. 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 0.69. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XFEB 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 2.86% against 0.00% for XFEB.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XFEB share 0 holdings out of 559 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 XFEB?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XFEB 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 XFEB?
Over the past year VYM returned +26.05% vs +10.30% for XFEB, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VYM annualized +7.09% vs +10.05% for XFEB. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XFEB?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.6% for XFEB. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XFEB -9.1%.
Should I hold both VYM and XFEB?
VYM and XFEB have a monthly-return correlation of 0.69, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XFEB?
VYM and XFEB share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XFEB?
VYM yields 2.86% while XFEB yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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