MIDU vs VYM
Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MIDU delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MIDU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.98% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $71M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.48% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 406 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +43.64% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +67.69% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.36% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +4.95% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 53.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.5% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 8, 2009 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MIDU vs VYM Performance
Direxion Daily Mid Cap Bull 3X ETF (MIDU) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MIDU returned +67.69% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, MIDU is up 43.64% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, MIDU compounded at +22.36% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +4.95% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 18-year window we track, MIDU has the edge at +16.92% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MIDU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 53.4% 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 -86.5% for MIDU 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 0.89. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MIDU 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, MIDU currently yields 0.48% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MIDU and VYM share 122 holdings out of 837 unique holdings combined, representing a 3.9% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, MIDU or VYM?
MIDU 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, MIDU or VYM?
Over the past year MIDU returned +67.69% vs +26.12% for VYM, so MIDU leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (18 years), MIDU annualized +16.92% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MIDU or VYM?
MIDU has been the more volatile fund at 53.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MIDU -86.5% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MIDU and VYM?
MIDU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.89, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MIDU and VYM?
MIDU and VYM share 122 common holdings with a 3.9% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 837 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MIDU or VYM?
MIDU yields 0.48% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.