VYM vs XMAR
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - March
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 | XMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $156M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.53% | +8.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.03% | +11.57% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.54% | +11.02% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.25% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 3.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -7.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 17, 2023 |
VYM vs XMAR Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - March (XMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% while XMAR returned +11.57%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.53% versus a gain of 8.24% for XMAR.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.54% per year against +11.02% for XMAR. Across the full 3-year window we track, XMAR has the edge at +11.58% annualized vs +7.10%. 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 3.3% for XMAR. 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 -7.3% for XMAR. 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 0.67. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XMAR 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 XMAR.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XMAR 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 XMAR?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XMAR 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 XMAR?
Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% vs +11.57% for XMAR, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), VYM annualized +7.10% vs +11.58% for XMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XMAR?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.3% for XMAR. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XMAR -7.3%.
Should I hold both VYM and XMAR?
VYM and XMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.67, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XMAR?
VYM and XMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XMAR?
VYM yields 2.86% while XMAR yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.