MSII vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMSIIVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.54%0.04%
AUM$3M$79.0B
Dividend Yield64.93%2.86%
Holdings11568
YTD Return-33.95%+16.16%
1Y Return-73.46%+26.05%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.43%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.21%
Volatility (annualized)55.0%14.6%
Max Drawdown-78.7%-58.8%
Fund FamilyREX SharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 4, 2025Nov 10, 2006

MSII vs VYM Performance

REX MSTR Growth & Income ETF (MSII) is a ETF from REX Shares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSII returned -73.46% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, MSII is down 33.95% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

MSII has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 55.0% 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 -78.7% for MSII 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MSII charges 1.54% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $154 vs $4 annually, a gap of $150 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSII currently yields 64.93% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MSII 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, MSII or VYM?

MSII has an expense ratio of 1.54% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $150 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MSII or VYM?

Over the past year MSII returned -73.46% vs +26.05% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MSII annualized -72.09% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MSII or VYM?

MSII has been the more volatile fund at 55.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MSII -78.7% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both MSII and VYM?

MSII and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MSII and VYM?

MSII and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MSII or VYM?

MSII yields 64.93% while VYM yields 2.86%, so MSII currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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