VYM vs YSEP
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF vs FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | VYM | YSEP | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.04% | 0.90% | |
| AUM | $81.6B | $122M | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.24% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 616 | 5 | |
| YTD Return | +14.66% | +8.06% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.16% | +12.89% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +18.72% | +13.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +12.18% | +7.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 14.6% | 11.2% | |
| Max Drawdown | -58.8% | -22.6% | |
| Fund Family | Vanguard (US) | First Trust Portfolios (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Alternative | |
| Inception | Nov 10, 2006 | Sep 17, 2021 |
VYM vs YSEP Performance
Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US) and FT Vest International Equity Moderate Buffer ETF - September (YSEP) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US). Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% while YSEP returned +12.89%. Year to date, VYM is up 14.66% versus a gain of 8.06% for YSEP.
Over three years, VYM compounded at +18.72% per year against +13.29% for YSEP; over five years the annualized figures are +12.18% and +7.28% respectively. Across the full 5-year window we track, YSEP has the edge at +7.28% annualized vs +7.01%. 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 11.2% for YSEP. 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 YSEP. 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 0.80. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
VYM charges 0.04% per year while YSEP 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 2.24% against 0.00% for YSEP.
Holdings Overlap
VYM and YSEP share 0 holdings out of 604 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 YSEP?
VYM has an expense ratio of 0.04% while YSEP 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 YSEP?
Over the past year VYM returned +22.16% vs +12.89% for YSEP, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), VYM annualized +7.01% vs +7.28% for YSEP. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, VYM or YSEP?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 11.2% for YSEP. Worst drawdown: VYM -58.8% vs YSEP -22.6%.
Should I hold both VYM and YSEP?
VYM and YSEP have a monthly-return correlation of 0.80, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between VYM and YSEP?
VYM and YSEP share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, VYM or YSEP?
VYM yields 2.24% while YSEP yields 0.00%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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