VYM vs XISE
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - September
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 | XISE | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $36M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 5.92% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 7 | |
| YTD Return | +15.34% | +0.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.24% | +2.10% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +19.22% | +5.20% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 2.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -6.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Sep 15, 2023 |
VYM vs XISE Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Buffer & Premium Income ETF - September (XISE) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% while XISE returned +2.10%. Year to date, VYM is up 15.34% versus a gain of 0.46% for XISE.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +19.22% per year against +5.20% for XISE. Across the full 3-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.04% annualized vs +5.20%. 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 2.4% for XISE. 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 -6.2% for XISE. 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 0.63. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XISE 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 5.92% for XISE.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XISE 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 XISE?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XISE 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 XISE?
Over the past year VYM returned +23.24% vs +2.10% for XISE, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VYM annualized +7.04% vs +5.20% for XISE. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XISE?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 2.4% for XISE. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XISE -6.2%.
Should I hold both VYM and XISE?
VYM and XISE have a monthly-return correlation of 0.63, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XISE?
VYM and XISE share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XISE?
VYM yields 2.24% while XISE yields 5.92%, so XISE currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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