ASTX 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

MetricASTXVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.30%0.04%
AUM$265M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings6568
YTD Return-70.67%+16.16%
1Y Return-40.19%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.43%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.21%
Volatility (annualized)234.0%14.6%
Max Drawdown-91.2%-58.8%
Fund FamilyTradr ETFsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 10, 2025Nov 10, 2006

ASTX vs VYM Performance

Tradr 2X Long ASTS Daily ETF (ASTX) is a ETF from Tradr ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ASTX returned -40.19% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, ASTX is down 70.67% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

ASTX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 234.0% 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 -91.2% for ASTX 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 -0.19. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

ASTX charges 1.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $4 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ASTX currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

ASTX 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, ASTX or VYM?

ASTX has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.

Which performed better, ASTX or VYM?

Over the past year ASTX returned -40.19% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), ASTX annualized -39.62% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, ASTX or VYM?

ASTX has been the more volatile fund at 234.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ASTX -91.2% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both ASTX and VYM?

ASTX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.19, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between ASTX and VYM?

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

Which pays a higher dividend, ASTX or VYM?

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

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