MSFO vs VYM
YieldMax Microsoft Option Income Strategy ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, MSFO or VYM?
Multi Alternative against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MSFO led over the full window, VYM over 1Y and 3Y.
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 | MSFO | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.03% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $85M | $83.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 38.51% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 30 | 608 |
| YTD Return | +10.95% | +11.61%Best |
| 1Y Return | +3.25% | +15.90%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +17.06% | +18.72%Best |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.76% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.3% | 11.2%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -29.6% | -14.5%Best |
| $10,000 over 3.1 years | $16,360Best | $16,252 |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Multi Alternative | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Aug 24, 2023 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 3.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 25, 2023 to Oct 9, 2026 (3.1 years).
MSFO 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 3.1 years both funds cover.
MSFO vs VYM Performance
YieldMax Microsoft Option Income Strategy ETF (MSFO) is an ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSFO returned +3.25% while VYM returned +15.90%. Year to date, MSFO is up 10.95% versus a gain of 11.61% for VYM.
Over three years, MSFO compounded at +17.06% per year against +18.72% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MSFO has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.3% compared with 11.2% 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 -29.6% for MSFO and -14.5% 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 0.20. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MSFO charges 1.03% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $103 vs $4 annually, a gap of $99 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSFO currently yields 38.51% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 2 holdings in MSFO and 557 in VYM, totalling 26.6% and 99.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
The two holdings books were reported 46 days apart, MSFO as of Sep 15, 2026 and VYM as of Jul 31, 2026, so some of the difference between them is the time between the two reports rather than the funds.
0 positions in common, counted across the 2 positions we hold weights for in MSFO and 557 in VYM, against full books of 30 and 608.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of MSFO 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, MSFO or VYM?
MSFO has an expense ratio of 1.03% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $99 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, MSFO or VYM?
Over the past year MSFO returned +3.25% vs +15.90% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, MSFO or VYM?
MSFO has been the more volatile fund at 23.3% annualized versus 11.2% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MSFO -29.6% vs VYM -14.5%.
Should I hold both MSFO and VYM?
MSFO and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.20, 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, MSFO or VYM?
MSFO yields 38.51% while VYM yields 2.22%, so MSFO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than MSFO?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. MSFO led over the full window, VYM over 1Y and 3Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.