GLDY vs VYM
Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | GLDY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.04% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $26M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.17% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 9 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -10.84% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | +4.81% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 1, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
GLDY vs VYM Performance
Defiance Gold Enhanced Options Income ETF (GLDY) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year GLDY returned +4.81% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, GLDY is down 10.84% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
GLDY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.9% 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 -25.9% for GLDY 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 0.55. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
GLDY charges 1.04% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $104 vs $4 annually, a gap of $100 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, GLDY currently yields 3.17% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
GLDY and VYM share 0 holdings out of 608 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, GLDY or VYM?
GLDY has an expense ratio of 1.04% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $100 per year of difference.
Which performed better, GLDY or VYM?
Over the past year GLDY returned +4.81% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), GLDY annualized +11.99% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, GLDY or VYM?
GLDY has been the more volatile fund at 17.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: GLDY -25.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both GLDY and VYM?
GLDY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.55, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between GLDY and VYM?
GLDY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 608 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, GLDY or VYM?
GLDY yields 3.17% while VYM yields 2.24%, so GLDY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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