VYM vs YDEC
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - December
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 | YDEC | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $162M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.16% | +7.21% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.05% | +11.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.43% | +8.94% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.21% | +5.22% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 11.0% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -23.3% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Dec 18, 2020 |
VYM vs YDEC Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - December (YDEC) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +26.05% while YDEC returned +11.39%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.16% versus a gain of 7.21% for YDEC.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.43% per year against +8.94% for YDEC; over five years the annualized figures are +12.21% and +5.22% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +6.26%. 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 11.0% for YDEC. 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 -23.3% for YDEC. 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 0.79. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while YDEC charges 0.90%. On a $10,000 position that is $4 vs $90 annually, a gap of $86 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, VYM currently yields 2.86% against 0.00% for YDEC.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and YDEC 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 YDEC?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YDEC charges 0.90%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $86 per year of difference.
Which performed better, VYM or YDEC?
Over the past year VYM returned +26.05% vs +11.39% for YDEC, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), VYM annualized +7.09% vs +6.26% for YDEC. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or YDEC?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.0% for YDEC. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs YDEC -23.3%.
Should I hold both VYM and YDEC?
VYM and YDEC have a monthly-return correlation of 0.79, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and YDEC?
VYM and YDEC share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or YDEC?
VYM yields 2.86% while YDEC yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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