VYM vs XIDE
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - December
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 | XIDE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $23M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 6.34% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 15 | |
| YTD Return | +16.10% | +0.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.99% | +2.49% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.29% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.35% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 7.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -11.8% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Dec 15, 2023 |
VYM vs XIDE Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - December (XIDE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +25.99% while XIDE returned +2.49%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.10% versus a gain of 0.60% for XIDE.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 7.5% for XIDE. 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 XIDE. 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 0.25. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XIDE 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 6.34% for XIDE.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XIDE 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 XIDE?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XIDE 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 XIDE?
Over the past year VYM returned +25.99% vs +2.49% for XIDE, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VYM annualized +7.08% vs +0.32% for XIDE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XIDE?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 7.5% for XIDE. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XIDE -11.8%.
Should I hold both VYM and XIDE?
VYM and XIDE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.25, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XIDE?
VYM and XIDE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XIDE?
VYM yields 2.86% while XIDE yields 6.34%, so XIDE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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