SETH vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. SETH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: SETHMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSETHVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.04%
AUM$15M$79.0B
Dividend Yield9.88%2.86%
Holdings2568
YTD Return+27.59%+15.80%
1Y Return+32.26%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)65.7%14.6%
Max Drawdown-80.8%-58.8%
Fund FamilyProSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionNov 2, 2023Nov 10, 2006

SETH vs VYM Performance

ProShares Short Ether ETF (SETH) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SETH returned +32.26% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, SETH is up 27.59% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SETH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 65.7% 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 -80.8% for SETH 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 -0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SETH charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SETH currently yields 9.88% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SETH or VYM?

SETH has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SETH or VYM?

Over the past year SETH returned +32.26% vs +26.12% for VYM, so SETH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SETH annualized -32.94% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SETH or VYM?

SETH has been the more volatile fund at 65.7% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SETH -80.8% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both SETH and VYM?

SETH and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, SETH or VYM?

SETH yields 9.88% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SETH currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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