VYM vs XMAY
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - May
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 | XMAY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.85% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $19M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 6 | |
| YTD Return | +16.53% | +5.18% | |
| 1Y Return | +25.03% | +8.67% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.54% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.25% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 3.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -8.2% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | May 17, 2024 |
VYM vs XMAY Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest US Equity Enhance & Moderate Buffer ETF - May (XMAY) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% while XMAY returned +8.67%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.53% versus a gain of 5.18% for XMAY.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 3.0% for XMAY. 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 -8.2% for XMAY. 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 0.68. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while XMAY 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 XMAY.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and XMAY 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 XMAY?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while XMAY 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 XMAY?
Over the past year VYM returned +25.03% vs +8.67% for XMAY, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), VYM annualized +7.10% vs +9.98% for XMAY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or XMAY?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 3.0% for XMAY. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs XMAY -8.2%.
Should I hold both VYM and XMAY?
VYM and XMAY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.68, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and XMAY?
VYM and XMAY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or XMAY?
VYM yields 2.86% while XMAY yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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