DFEN vs VYM
Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. DFEN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFEN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.96% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $408M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 7.07% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +20.59% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +61.91% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +66.97% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +33.88% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 66.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -91.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 3, 2017 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DFEN vs VYM Performance
Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X ETF (DFEN) 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 DFEN returned +61.91% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, DFEN is up 20.59% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, DFEN compounded at +66.97% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +33.88% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, DFEN has the edge at +16.11% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFEN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 66.7% 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 -91.4% for DFEN 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFEN charges 0.96% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $96 vs $4 annually, a gap of $92 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFEN currently yields 7.07% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DFEN and VYM share 5 holdings out of 605 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFEN or VYM?
DFEN has an expense ratio of 0.96% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $92 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFEN or VYM?
Over the past year DFEN returned +61.91% vs +24.43% for VYM, so DFEN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), DFEN annualized +16.11% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFEN or VYM?
DFEN has been the more volatile fund at 66.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DFEN -91.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DFEN and VYM?
DFEN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFEN and VYM?
DFEN and VYM share 5 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFEN or VYM?
DFEN yields 7.07% while VYM yields 2.86%, so DFEN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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