BTFL vs VYM
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long BITF ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BTFL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BTFL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.31% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $2M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +109.50% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +147.24% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3486232.1% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 29, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
BTFL vs VYM Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long BITF ETF (BTFL) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year BTFL returned +147.24% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, BTFL is up 109.50% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BTFL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 3486232.1% 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 -100.0% for BTFL 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 -0.03. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
BTFL charges 1.31% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $131 vs $4 annually, a gap of $127 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, BTFL currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
BTFL 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, BTFL or VYM?
BTFL has an expense ratio of 1.31% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $127 per year of difference.
Which performed better, BTFL or VYM?
Over the past year BTFL returned +147.24% vs +26.05% for VYM, so BTFL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), BTFL annualized +41.83% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, BTFL or VYM?
BTFL has been the more volatile fund at 3486232.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: BTFL -100.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both BTFL and VYM?
BTFL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.03, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between BTFL and VYM?
BTFL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTFL or VYM?
BTFL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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