NOWL vs VYM
GraniteShares 2x Long NOW Daily 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | NOWL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $262M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -50.55% | +16.53% | |
| 1Y Return | -66.33% | +25.03% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.54% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.25% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 120.7% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -86.6% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 15, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
NOWL vs VYM Performance
GraniteShares 2x Long NOW Daily ETF (NOWL) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year NOWL returned -66.33% while VYM returned +25.03%. Year to date, NOWL is down 50.55% versus a gain of 16.53% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
NOWL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 120.7% 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 -86.6% for NOWL 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 -0.17. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
NOWL charges 1.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $150 vs $4 annually, a gap of $146 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, NOWL currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
NOWL 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, NOWL or VYM?
NOWL has an expense ratio of 1.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $146 per year of difference.
Which performed better, NOWL or VYM?
Over the past year NOWL returned -66.33% vs +25.03% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), NOWL annualized -71.22% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, NOWL or VYM?
NOWL has been the more volatile fund at 120.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: NOWL -86.6% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both NOWL and VYM?
NOWL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.17, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between NOWL and VYM?
NOWL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, NOWL or VYM?
NOWL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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