ICOI vs VYM
Bitwise COIN Option Income Strategy 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 | ICOI | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $14M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 303.19% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -25.55% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | -51.70% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 39.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -59.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Bitwise | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 1, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
ICOI vs VYM Performance
Bitwise COIN Option Income Strategy ETF (ICOI) is a ETF from Bitwise and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year ICOI returned -51.70% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, ICOI is down 25.55% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
ICOI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 39.0% 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 -59.3% for ICOI 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
ICOI charges 0.98% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $98 vs $4 annually, a gap of $94 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, ICOI currently yields 303.19% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, ICOI or VYM?
ICOI has an expense ratio of 0.98% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $94 per year of difference.
Which performed better, ICOI or VYM?
Over the past year ICOI returned -51.70% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), ICOI annualized -22.48% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, ICOI or VYM?
ICOI has been the more volatile fund at 39.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: ICOI -59.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both ICOI and VYM?
ICOI and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, ICOI or VYM?
ICOI yields 303.19% while VYM yields 2.86%, so ICOI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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