KOLD vs VYM
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas 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 | KOLD | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $110M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -23.18% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | -13.16% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +5.90% | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -29.40% | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 97.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 4, 2011 | Nov 10, 2006 |
KOLD vs VYM Performance
ProShares UltraShort Bloomberg Natural Gas (KOLD) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year KOLD returned -13.16% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, KOLD is down 23.18% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Over three years, KOLD compounded at +5.90% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -29.40% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 15-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs -11.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
KOLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 97.5% 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 -99.5% for KOLD 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 -0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
KOLD charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, KOLD currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
KOLD and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 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, KOLD or VYM?
KOLD has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.
Which performed better, KOLD or VYM?
Over the past year KOLD returned -13.16% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), KOLD annualized -11.71% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, KOLD or VYM?
KOLD has been the more volatile fund at 97.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: KOLD -99.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both KOLD and VYM?
KOLD and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between KOLD and VYM?
KOLD and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, KOLD or VYM?
KOLD yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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