BIS 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

MetricBISVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.04%
AUM$2M$79.0B
Dividend Yield5.79%2.86%
Holdings6568
YTD Return-33.52%+16.10%
1Y Return-59.18%+25.99%
3Y Return (annualized)-30.58%+18.29%
5Y Return (annualized)-15.97%+12.35%
Volatility (annualized)39.5%14.6%
Max Drawdown-99.9%-58.8%
Fund FamilyProSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 6, 2010Nov 10, 2006

BIS vs VYM Performance

ProShares UltraShort Nasdaq Biotechnology (BIS) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BIS returned -59.18% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, BIS is down 33.52% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.

Over three years, BIS compounded at -30.58% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -15.97% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs -33.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

BIS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.5% 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 -99.9% for BIS 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 -0.52. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

BIS 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, BIS currently yields 5.79% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, BIS or VYM?

BIS 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, BIS or VYM?

Over the past year BIS returned -59.18% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), BIS annualized -33.05% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, BIS or VYM?

BIS has been the more volatile fund at 39.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BIS -99.9% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both BIS and VYM?

BIS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.52, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, BIS or VYM?

BIS yields 5.79% while VYM yields 2.86%, so BIS currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.