BTFL vs VYM
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long BITF ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, BTFL or VYM?
Trading-Leveraged Equity against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BTFL led over the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | BTFL | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.31% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $2M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 6 | 613 |
| Volatility (annualized) | 3486232.1% | 13.9%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 11.8 years | $617,822Best | $27,083 |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Leveraged Equity | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Dec 29, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: YTD Return, 1Y Return, 3Y Return (annualized), 5Y Return (annualized), Top 10 Weight.
The two price series end 146 days apart, so a return over any period would be measuring two different stretches of market. Those rows are withheld. BTFL has data through Apr 24, 2026 and VYM through Sep 17, 2026.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 11.8 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 14, 2014 to Apr 24, 2026 (11.8 years).
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
BTFL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 3486232.1% compared with 13.9% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.03. They move largely independently of each other.
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 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in BTFL and 557 in VYM, totalling 17.2% and 99.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 182 days apart, BTFL as of Jan 30, 2026 and VYM as of Jul 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in BTFL and 557 in VYM, against full books of 6 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of BTFL and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $127 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which is riskier, BTFL or VYM?
BTFL has been the more volatile fund at 3486232.1% annualized versus 13.9% for VYM.
Should I hold both BTFL and VYM?
BTFL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.03, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, BTFL or VYM?
BTFL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than BTFL?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. BTFL led over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.