CHAU vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. CHAU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: CHAUMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCHAUVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.19%0.04%
AUM$89M$79.0B
Dividend Yield1.80%2.86%
Holdings10568
YTD Return+5.42%+16.53%
1Y Return+38.93%+25.03%
3Y Return (annualized)+11.00%+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-8.55%+12.25%
Volatility (annualized)45.6%14.6%
Max Drawdown-79.7%-58.8%
Fund FamilyDirexion Shares ETF TrustVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionApr 16, 2015Nov 10, 2006

CHAU vs VYM Performance

Direxion Daily CSI 300 China A Share Bull 2X ETF (CHAU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year CHAU returned +38.93% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, CHAU is up 5.42% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.

Over three years, CHAU compounded at +11.00% per year against +18.54% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -8.55% and +12.25% respectively. Across the full 11-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% annualized vs -4.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

CHAU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 45.6% 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 -79.7% for CHAU 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

CHAU charges 1.19% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $119 vs $4 annually, a gap of $115 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, CHAU currently yields 1.80% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

CHAU and VYM share 0 holdings out of 563 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, CHAU or VYM?

CHAU has an expense ratio of 1.19% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $115 per year of difference.

Which performed better, CHAU or VYM?

Over the past year CHAU returned +38.93% vs +25.03% for VYM, so CHAU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (11 years), CHAU annualized -4.77% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, CHAU or VYM?

CHAU has been the more volatile fund at 45.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: CHAU -79.7% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both CHAU and VYM?

CHAU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between CHAU and VYM?

CHAU and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 563 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, CHAU or VYM?

CHAU yields 1.80% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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