QLDY vs VYM
Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income 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 | QLDY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.04% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $48M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 30.41% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 7 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +16.07% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +18.88% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | - | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -14.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 17, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
QLDY vs VYM Performance
Defiance Nasdaq 100 LightningSpread Income ETF (QLDY) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year QLDY returned +18.88% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, QLDY is up 16.07% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -14.8% for QLDY and -58.8% for VYM. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
QLDY charges 1.04% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $104 vs $4 annually, a gap of $100 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, QLDY currently yields 30.41% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
QLDY 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, QLDY or VYM?
QLDY has an expense ratio of 1.04% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $100 per year of difference.
Which performed better, QLDY or VYM?
Over the past year QLDY returned +18.88% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between QLDY and VYM?
QLDY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, QLDY or VYM?
QLDY yields 30.41% while VYM yields 2.86%, so QLDY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.