SLTY vs VYM
YieldMax Ultra Short Option Income 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 | SLTY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.25% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $18M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 73.59% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 113 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -7.31% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | -20.48% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.3% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -20.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 20, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SLTY vs VYM Performance
YieldMax Ultra Short Option Income Strategy ETF (SLTY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SLTY returned -20.48% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SLTY is down 7.31% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.3% 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 -20.9% for SLTY 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 -0.54. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLTY charges 1.25% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $125 vs $4 annually, a gap of $121 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLTY currently yields 73.59% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SLTY and VYM share 8 holdings out of 578 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, SLTY or VYM?
SLTY has an expense ratio of 1.25% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $121 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLTY or VYM?
Over the past year SLTY returned -20.48% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLTY or VYM?
SLTY has been the more volatile fund at 16.3% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SLTY -20.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SLTY and VYM?
SLTY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.54, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SLTY and VYM?
SLTY and VYM share 8 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 578 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLTY or VYM?
SLTY yields 73.59% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SLTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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