BABO vs VYM
YieldMax BABA 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 | BABO | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $17M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 110.77% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -18.34% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +0.95% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 41.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -42.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 7, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BABO vs VYM Performance
YieldMax BABA Option Income Strategy ETF (BABO) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BABO returned +0.95% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, BABO is down 18.34% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BABO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 41.4% 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 -42.6% for BABO 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BABO charges 1.00% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $4 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BABO currently yields 110.77% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BABO and VYM share 0 holdings out of 561 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, BABO or VYM?
BABO has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BABO or VYM?
Over the past year BABO returned +0.95% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), BABO annualized +12.21% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BABO or VYM?
BABO has been the more volatile fund at 41.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BABO -42.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BABO and VYM?
BABO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BABO and VYM?
BABO and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 561 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BABO or VYM?
BABO yields 110.77% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BABO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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