HIMZ vs VYM

Quick Verdict

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

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricHIMZVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.29%0.04%
AUM$63M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.29%2.86%
Holdings11568
YTD Return-63.60%+16.53%
1Y Return-87.16%+25.03%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.25%
Volatility (annualized)219.6%14.6%
Max Drawdown-98.2%-58.8%
Fund FamilyDefiance ETFs, LLCVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionMar 12, 2025Nov 10, 2006

HIMZ vs VYM Performance

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long HIMS ETF (HIMZ) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year HIMZ returned -87.16% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, HIMZ is down 63.60% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

HIMZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 219.6% 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 -98.2% for HIMZ 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 -0.14. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

HIMZ charges 1.29% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $129 vs $4 annually, a gap of $125 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, HIMZ currently yields 0.29% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

HIMZ 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, HIMZ or VYM?

HIMZ has an expense ratio of 1.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $125 per year of difference.

Which performed better, HIMZ or VYM?

Over the past year HIMZ returned -87.16% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), HIMZ annualized -75.85% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, HIMZ or VYM?

HIMZ has been the more volatile fund at 219.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: HIMZ -98.2% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both HIMZ and VYM?

HIMZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.14, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between HIMZ and VYM?

HIMZ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, HIMZ or VYM?

HIMZ yields 0.29% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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