MST vs VYM
Defiance Leveraged Long + Income MSTR ETF 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 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | MST | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.91% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $22M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 189.58% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 26 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | -57.41% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -91.25% | +21.08% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.16% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 127.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -97.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 1, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
MST vs VYM Performance
Defiance Leveraged Long + Income MSTR ETF (MST) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MST returned -91.25% while VYM returned +21.08%. Year to date, MST is down 57.41% versus a gain of 14.57% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
MST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 127.6% 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 -97.7% for MST 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
MST charges 1.91% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $191 vs $4 annually, a gap of $187 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MST currently yields 189.58% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
MST and VYM share 0 holdings out of 605 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, MST or VYM?
MST has an expense ratio of 1.91% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $187 per year of difference.
Which performed better, MST or VYM?
Over the past year MST returned -91.25% vs +21.08% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MST annualized -87.83% vs +6.99% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, MST or VYM?
MST has been the more volatile fund at 127.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MST -97.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both MST and VYM?
MST and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between MST and VYM?
MST and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, MST or VYM?
MST yields 189.58% while VYM yields 2.24%, so MST currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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