IONX vs VYM
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long IONQ ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, IONX or VYM?
Leverage Strategy against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IONX | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.29% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $144M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 2.55% | 2.24% |
| Holdings | 22 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -67.69% | +15.29%Best |
| 1Y Return | -72.42% | +22.23%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.81% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.14% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 203.0% | 9.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -94.0% | -11.5%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.5 years | $5,780 | $13,518Best |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Leverage Strategy | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.5 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Mar 12, 2025 to Sep 3, 2026 (1.5 years).
IONX vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
IONX vs VYM Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long IONQ ETF (IONX) is an ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IONX returned -72.42% while VYM returned +22.23%. Year to date, IONX is down 67.69% versus a gain of 15.29% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IONX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 203.0% compared with 9.3% 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 -94.0% for IONX and -11.5% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.28. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IONX 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, IONX currently yields 2.55% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in IONX and 603 in VYM, totalling 8.0% and 99.5% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in IONX and 603 in VYM, against full books of 22 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of IONX and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IONX or VYM?
IONX has an expense ratio of 1.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $125 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, IONX or VYM?
Over the past year IONX returned -72.42% vs +22.23% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), IONX annualized -30.61% vs +22.26% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, IONX or VYM?
IONX has been the more volatile fund at 203.0% annualized versus 9.3% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IONX -94.0% vs VYM -11.5%.
Should I hold both IONX and VYM?
IONX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, IONX or VYM?
IONX yields 2.55% while VYM yields 2.24%, so IONX currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than IONX?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.