VYM vs XJAN
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - January
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | XJAN | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $41M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.78% | +5.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.43% | +9.72% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 4.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -10.0% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Jan 22, 2024 |
VYM vs XJAN Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - January (XJAN) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% while XJAN returned +9.72%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.78% versus a gain of 5.96% for XJAN.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 4.5% for XJAN. 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 -10.0% for XJAN. 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 0.65. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XJAN 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 XJAN.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XJAN 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 XJAN?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XJAN 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 XJAN?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% vs +9.72% for XJAN, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VYM annualized +7.11% vs +9.54% for XJAN. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XJAN?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 4.5% for XJAN. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XJAN -10.0%.
Should I hold both VYM and XJAN?
VYM and XJAN have a monthly-return correlation of 0.65, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XJAN?
VYM and XJAN share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XJAN?
VYM yields 2.86% while XJAN yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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