APLY vs VYM
YieldMax AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | APLY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.06% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $130M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 37.96% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 13 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +5.35% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.81% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.72% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -31.1% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 17, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
APLY vs VYM Performance
YieldMax AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF (APLY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year APLY returned +19.81% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, APLY is up 5.35% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, APLY compounded at +10.72% per year against +18.29% for VYM. Across the full 3-year window we track, APLY has the edge at +11.68% annualized vs +7.08%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
APLY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.5% 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 -31.1% for APLY 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 0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
APLY charges 1.06% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $106 vs $4 annually, a gap of $102 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, APLY currently yields 37.96% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
APLY and VYM share 0 holdings out of 560 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, APLY or VYM?
APLY has an expense ratio of 1.06% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $102 per year of difference.
Which performed better, APLY or VYM?
Over the past year APLY returned +19.81% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), APLY annualized +11.68% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, APLY or VYM?
APLY has been the more volatile fund at 16.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: APLY -31.1% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both APLY and VYM?
APLY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between APLY and VYM?
APLY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, APLY or VYM?
APLY yields 37.96% while VYM yields 2.86%, so APLY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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