DUST vs VYM
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 2X ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DUST | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.94% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $71M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.36% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -43.55% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | -78.21% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -66.96% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -52.77% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 90.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Dec 8, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
DUST vs VYM Performance
Direxion Daily Gold Miners Index Bear 2X ETF (DUST) 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 DUST returned -78.21% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, DUST is down 43.55% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, DUST compounded at -66.96% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -52.77% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs -50.13%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DUST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 90.0% 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 DUST 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 -0.11. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DUST charges 0.94% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $94 vs $4 annually, a gap of $90 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DUST currently yields 4.36% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
DUST and VYM share 0 holdings out of 560 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, DUST or VYM?
DUST has an expense ratio of 0.94% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $90 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DUST or VYM?
Over the past year DUST returned -78.21% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), DUST annualized -50.13% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DUST or VYM?
DUST has been the more volatile fund at 90.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: DUST -100.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both DUST and VYM?
DUST and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.11, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DUST and VYM?
DUST and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DUST or VYM?
DUST yields 4.36% while VYM yields 2.86%, so DUST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.