SETH vs VYM
ProShares Short Ether ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SETH delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SETH | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $15M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 17.21% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +0.12% | +14.95% | |
| 1Y Return | +28.13% | +21.14% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.00% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 67.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -80.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 2, 2023 | Nov 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 +28.13% while VYM returned +21.14%. Year to date, SETH is up 0.12% versus a gain of 14.95% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SETH has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 67.5% 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 -0.26. 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 17.21% against 2.24% 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 +28.13% vs +21.14% for VYM, so SETH leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SETH annualized -37.99% vs +7.01% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SETH or VYM?
SETH has been the more volatile fund at 67.5% 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 -0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SETH or VYM?
SETH yields 17.21% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SETH currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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