LTL vs VYM
ProShares Ultra Communication Services vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, LTL or VYM?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. LTL led over 3Y and 5Y, VYM 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 | LTL | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $6M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 1.01% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 28 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -11.54% | +13.91%Best |
| 1Y Return | -11.73% | +17.57%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +30.98%Best | +18.12% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +15.49%Best | +12.17% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 34.1% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -80.7% | -53.6%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $20,546Best | $17,758 |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Mar 25, 2008 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Apr 8, 2008 to Sep 11, 2026 (18.4 years).
LTL 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 covers the 18.4 years both funds cover.
LTL vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra Communication Services (LTL) is an ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year LTL returned -11.73% while VYM returned +17.57%. Year to date, LTL is down 11.54% versus a gain of 13.91% for VYM.
Over three years, LTL compounded at +30.98% per year against +18.12% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +15.49% and +12.17% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.74% annualized vs +5.83%.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
LTL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 34.1% compared with 14.8% 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 -80.7% for LTL and -53.6% 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 0.72. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
LTL 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, LTL currently yields 1.01% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
At least 1.6% of VYM's money is in holdings LTL also owns.
Stated as a floor: for LTL, our book for it covers 60.7% of that fund, so a holding it does not list is one we cannot count as shared. The real figure is this or higher.
VYM and LTL share little of their money.
The two holdings books were reported 62 days apart, LTL as of Aug 31, 2026 and VYM as of Jun 30, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
6 positions in common, counted across the 24 positions we hold weights for in LTL and 603 in VYM, against full books of 28 and 613.
Top Shared Holdings
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of LTL 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, LTL or VYM?
LTL has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $91 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, LTL or VYM?
Over the past year LTL returned -11.73% vs +17.57% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), LTL annualized +5.83% vs +7.74% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, LTL or VYM?
LTL has been the more volatile fund at 34.1% annualized versus 14.8% for VYM. Worst drawdown: LTL -80.7% vs VYM -53.6%.
Should I hold both LTL and VYM?
LTL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.72, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
What is the holdings overlap between LTL and VYM?
At least 1.6% of VYM's money is in holdings LTL also owns. Our book for LTL is partial, so the real figure is this or higher. They hold 6 positions in common, counted across the 24 positions we hold weights for in LTL and 603 in VYM.
Which pays a higher dividend, LTL or VYM?
LTL yields 1.01% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than LTL?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. LTL led over 3Y and 5Y, VYM over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.