IONZ vs VYM
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short IONQ 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 | IONZ | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.29% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $6M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -86.11% | +14.66% | |
| 1Y Return | -97.51% | +22.16% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.72% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 155.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jun 23, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
IONZ vs VYM Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short IONQ ETF (IONZ) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year IONZ returned -97.51% while VYM returned +22.16%. Year to date, IONZ is down 86.11% versus a gain of 14.66% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
IONZ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 155.5% 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 -98.7% for IONZ 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 -0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IONZ 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, IONZ currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
IONZ and VYM share 0 holdings out of 604 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, IONZ or VYM?
IONZ 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, IONZ or VYM?
Over the past year IONZ returned -97.51% vs +22.16% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), IONZ annualized -96.10% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IONZ or VYM?
IONZ has been the more volatile fund at 155.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: IONZ -98.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both IONZ and VYM?
IONZ and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between IONZ and VYM?
IONZ and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 604 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IONZ or VYM?
IONZ yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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