AAPD vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAAPDVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.96%0.04%
AUM$33M$79.0B
Dividend Yield3.27%2.86%
Holdings9568
YTD Return-12.42%+16.16%
1Y Return-25.78%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)-16.61%+18.43%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.21%
Volatility (annualized)23.0%14.6%
Max Drawdown-63.0%-58.8%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionAug 9, 2022Nov 10, 2006

AAPD vs VYM Performance

Direxion Daily AAPL Bear 1X ETF (AAPD) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AAPD returned -25.78% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, AAPD is down 12.42% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.

Over three years, AAPD compounded at -16.61% per year against +18.43% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs -15.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

AAPD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.0% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -63.0% for AAPD and -58.8% for VYM. 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 -0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AAPD charges 0.96% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $4 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AAPD currently yields 3.27% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

AAPD and VYM share 0 holdings out of 562 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, AAPD or VYM?

AAPD has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.

Which performed better, AAPD or VYM?

Over the past year AAPD returned -25.78% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), AAPD annualized -15.16% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AAPD or VYM?

AAPD has been the more volatile fund at 23.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AAPD -63.0% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both AAPD and VYM?

AAPD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between AAPD and VYM?

AAPD and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 562 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AAPD or VYM?

AAPD yields 3.27% while VYM yields 2.86%, so AAPD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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