MSTW 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

MetricMSTWVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.99%0.04%
AUM$36M$79.0B
Dividend Yield422.04%2.86%
Holdings3568
YTD Return-62.00%+16.53%
1Y Return-87.96%+25.03%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.25%
Volatility (annualized)73.3%14.6%
Max Drawdown-89.1%-58.8%
Fund FamilyRoundhill InvestmentsVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJul 24, 2025Nov 10, 2006

MSTW vs VYM Performance

Roundhill MSTR WeeklyPay ETF (MSTW) is a ETF from Roundhill Investments and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTW returned -87.96% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, MSTW is down 62.00% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

MSTW has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 73.3% 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 -89.1% for MSTW 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 0.36. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MSTW charges 0.99% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $99 vs $4 annually, a gap of $95 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTW currently yields 422.04% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MSTW 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, MSTW or VYM?

MSTW has an expense ratio of 0.99% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $95 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MSTW or VYM?

Over the past year MSTW returned -87.96% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), MSTW annualized -87.44% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MSTW or VYM?

MSTW has been the more volatile fund at 73.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MSTW -89.1% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both MSTW and VYM?

MSTW and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.36, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MSTW and VYM?

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

Which pays a higher dividend, MSTW or VYM?

MSTW yields 422.04% while VYM yields 2.86%, so MSTW currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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