AGQ vs VYM

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: AGQMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAGQVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.04%
AUM$1.1B$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings7568
YTD Return-50.20%+16.53%
1Y Return+57.22%+25.03%
3Y Return (annualized)+46.12%+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)+17.86%+12.25%
Volatility (annualized)65.2%14.6%
Max Drawdown-98.2%-58.8%
Fund FamilyProSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionDec 1, 2008Nov 10, 2006

AGQ vs VYM Performance

ProShares Ultra Silver (AGQ) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year AGQ returned +57.22% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, AGQ is down 50.20% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.

Over three years, AGQ compounded at +46.12% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +17.86% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs +3.30%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

AGQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65.2% 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 -98.2% for AGQ 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

AGQ charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, AGQ currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

AGQ and VYM 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, AGQ or VYM?

AGQ has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.

Which performed better, AGQ or VYM?

Over the past year AGQ returned +57.22% vs +25.03% for VYM, so AGQ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), AGQ annualized +3.30% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, AGQ or VYM?

AGQ has been the more volatile fund at 65.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: AGQ -98.2% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both AGQ and VYM?

AGQ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between AGQ and VYM?

AGQ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, AGQ or VYM?

AGQ yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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