BUSA vs. VYM

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

BUSA (Brandes U.S. Value ETF) and VYM (Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BUSA is a Large Cap Value Equities fund actively managed by Brandes, while VYM is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE High Dividend Yield Index. BUSA is actively managed, while VYM is passively managed. Over the past year, BUSA returned 21.71% vs 24.37% for VYM. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BUSA charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for VYM.

Performance

BUSA vs. VYM - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Brandes U.S. Value ETF (BUSA) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BUSA achieves a 8.57% return, which is significantly lower than VYM's 12.09% return.

BUSA

• 1D: 0.53%
• 1M: 1.19%
• YTD: 8.57%
• 6M: 7.45%
• 1Y: 21.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VYM

• 1D: 0.61%
• 1M: 0.79%
• YTD: 12.09%
• 6M: 10.90%
• 1Y: 24.37%
• 3Y*: 18.41%
• 5Y*: 11.86%
• 10Y*: 12.19%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

BUSA vs. VYM - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BUSA Brandes U.S. Value ETF	8.57%	17.56%	15.76%	10.92%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	12.09%	15.42%	17.60%	11.43%

Correlation

The correlation between BUSA and VYM is 0.84, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 5, 2023	0.90

The correlation between BUSA and VYM has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.84 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

BUSA vs. VYM - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BUSA	VYM
Healthcare	23.9%	12.2%
Financial Services	20.2%	19.9%
Technology	13.0%	20.3%
Industrials	12.9%	11.8%
Energy	7.3%	9.1%
Communication Services	5.6%	3.4%
Consumer Defensive	5.1%	8.0%
Consumer Cyclical	4.5%	6.6%
Basic Materials	4.1%	3.4%
Utilities	3.4%	5.4%
Real Estate	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

BUSA vs. VYM — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

BUSA

BUSA Risk / Return Rank: 63
BUSA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 64
BUSA Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
BUSA Omega Ratio Rank: 60
BUSA Calmar Ratio Rank: 66
BUSA Martin Ratio Rank: 61

VYM

VYM Risk / Return Rank: 83
VYM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 85
VYM Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
VYM Omega Ratio Rank: 83
VYM Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
VYM Martin Ratio Rank: 80

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

BUSA vs. VYM - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Brandes U.S. Value ETF (BUSA) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BUSA	VYM	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.82	2.37	-0.54
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	3.38	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.43	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.87	3.66	-0.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.64	13.57	-3.94

BUSA vs. VYM - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BUSA Sharpe Ratio is 1.82, which is comparable to the VYM Sharpe Ratio of 2.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BUSA and VYM, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BUSA vs. VYM - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BUSA drawdown since its inception was -14.19%, smaller than the maximum VYM drawdown of -56.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BUSA and VYM.

Drawdown Indicators

	BUSA	VYM	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.19%	-56.98%	+42.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.61%	-6.69%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.46%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-15.84%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-35.21%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.45%	-0.77%	-0.68%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.12%	-7.17%	+5.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.26%	1.80%	+0.46%

Volatility

BUSA vs. VYM - Volatility Comparison

Brandes U.S. Value ETF (BUSA) has a higher volatility of 3.17% compared to Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) at 2.95%. This indicates that BUSA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYM based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BUSA	VYM	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.17%	2.95%	+0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.59%	7.64%	+0.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.97%	10.36%	+1.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.61%	13.93%	-0.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.61%	16.31%	-2.70%

BUSA vs. VYM - Expense Ratio Comparison

BUSA has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than VYM's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

BUSA vs. VYM - Dividend Comparison

BUSA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.46%, less than VYM's 2.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BUSA Brandes U.S. Value ETF	1.46%	1.53%	1.37%	0.22%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VYM Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF	2.28%	2.44%	2.74%	3.12%	3.01%	2.76%	3.18%	3.03%	3.40%	2.80%	2.91%	3.22%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BUSA and VYM in my portfolio?

BUSA and VYM have a correlation of 0.84, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BUSA or VYM?

BUSA has higher volatility (3.17%) compared to VYM (2.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BUSA dropped -14.19% vs VYM's -56.98%.

Which ETF is better, BUSA or VYM?

On 1-year performance, VYM leads with 24.37% vs 21.71% for BUSA. On fees, VYM is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, VYM has been the lower-risk option at 2.95%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BUSA or VYM?

Over the 1-year period, VYM has performed better with a 24.37% return vs 21.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BUSA or VYM?

VYM is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for BUSA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BUSA or VYM?

VYM has the higher dividend yield at 2.28%, compared with 1.46% for BUSA.

What is the main difference between BUSA and VYM?

BUSA is categorized as Large Cap Value Equities, while VYM is Dividend. They also come from different issuers: Brandes and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for BUSA and 0.04% for VYM.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.37 vs 1.82), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.