SDTY vs VYM
YieldMax S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy 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 | SDTY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.08% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $46M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 26.27% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +11.11% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | +19.91% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 13.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -16.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 5, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SDTY vs VYM Performance
YieldMax S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF (SDTY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SDTY returned +19.91% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SDTY is up 11.11% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
VYM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 14.6% compared with 13.9% for SDTY. 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 -16.3% for SDTY 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 0.70. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SDTY charges 1.08% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $108 vs $4 annually, a gap of $104 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SDTY currently yields 26.27% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SDTY 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, SDTY or VYM?
SDTY has an expense ratio of 1.08% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $104 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SDTY or VYM?
Over the past year SDTY returned +19.91% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SDTY annualized +21.53% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SDTY or VYM?
VYM has been the more volatile fund at 14.6% annualized versus 13.9% for SDTY. Worst drawdown: SDTY -16.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SDTY and VYM?
SDTY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.70, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SDTY and VYM?
SDTY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SDTY or VYM?
SDTY yields 26.27% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SDTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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