MSTX 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

MetricMSTXVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.31%0.04%
AUM$142M$79.0B
Dividend Yield41.07%2.86%
Holdings10568
YTD Return-79.98%+16.53%
1Y Return-97.66%+25.03%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.54%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.25%
Volatility (annualized)150.1%14.6%
Max Drawdown-99.5%-58.8%
Fund FamilyDefiance ETFs, LLCVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionAug 14, 2024Nov 10, 2006

MSTX vs VYM Performance

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long MSTR ETF (MSTX) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MSTX returned -97.66% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, MSTX is down 79.98% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

MSTX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 150.1% 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 -99.5% for MSTX 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MSTX charges 1.31% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $131 vs $4 annually, a gap of $127 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MSTX currently yields 41.07% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

MSTX and VYM share 0 holdings out of 560 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, MSTX or VYM?

MSTX has an expense ratio of 1.31% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $127 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MSTX or VYM?

Over the past year MSTX returned -97.66% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), MSTX annualized -76.66% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MSTX or VYM?

MSTX has been the more volatile fund at 150.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: MSTX -99.5% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both MSTX and VYM?

MSTX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MSTX and VYM?

MSTX and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MSTX or VYM?

MSTX yields 41.07% while VYM yields 2.86%, so MSTX currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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