VYM vs XIJN

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricVYMXIJNWinner
Expense Ratio0.04%0.85%
AUM$79.0B$51M
Dividend Yield2.86%7.01%
Holdings5687
YTD Return+16.16%-0.11%
1Y Return+26.05%+2.02%
3Y Return (annualized)+18.43%-
5Y Return (annualized)+12.21%-
Volatility (annualized)14.6%1.8%
Max Drawdown-58.8%-4.7%
Fund FamilyVanguard (US)First Trust Portfolios (US)
CategoryEquityAlternative
InceptionNov 10, 2006Jun 21, 2024

VYM vs XIJN Performance

Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - June (XIJN) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +26.05% while XIJN returned +2.02%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.16% versus a loss of 0.11% for XIJN.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 1.8% for XIJN. 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 -4.7% for XIJN. 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

VYM charges 0.04% per year while XIJN 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 7.01% for XIJN.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

VYM and XIJN share 0 holdings out of 563 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 XIJN?

VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XIJN 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 XIJN?

Over the past year VYM returned +26.05% vs +2.02% for XIJN, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VYM annualized +7.09% vs +4.97% for XIJN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, VYM or XIJN?

VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 1.8% for XIJN. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XIJN -4.7%.

Should I hold both VYM and XIJN?

VYM and XIJN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XIJN?

VYM and XIJN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 563 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XIJN?

VYM yields 2.86% while XIJN yields 7.01%, so XIJN currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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