VYM vs YMAR
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March
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 | YMAR | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $79.0B | $161M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.86% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 568 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +16.78% | +8.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +24.43% | +13.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.60% | +11.64% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.30% | +6.70% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 10.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -22.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Mar 19, 2021 |
VYM vs YMAR Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - March (YMAR) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% while YMAR returned +13.02%. Year to date, VYM is up 16.78% versus a gain of 8.10% for YMAR.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.60% per year against +11.64% for YMAR; over five years the annualized figures are +12.30% and +6.70% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, YMAR has the edge at +7.23% annualized vs +7.11%. 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 10.1% for YMAR. 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 -22.6% for YMAR. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while YMAR 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 YMAR.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and YMAR 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 YMAR?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YMAR 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 YMAR?
Over the past year VYM returned +24.43% vs +13.02% for YMAR, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VYM annualized +7.11% vs +7.23% for YMAR. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or YMAR?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 10.1% for YMAR. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs YMAR -22.6%.
Should I hold both VYM and YMAR?
VYM and YMAR have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and YMAR?
VYM and YMAR share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or YMAR?
VYM yields 2.86% while YMAR 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.