SMCY vs VTI
YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMCY | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $135M | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 180.22% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 18 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +3.71% | +13.14% | |
| 1Y Return | -20.14% | +22.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +21.83% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.01% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 71.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.8% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2024 | May 24, 2001 |
SMCY vs VTI Performance
YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF (SMCY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMCY returned -20.14% while VTI returned +22.35%. Year to date, SMCY is up 3.71% versus a gain of 13.14% for VTI.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 71.4% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -64.8% for SMCY and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.48. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMCY charges 1.01% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $3 annually, a gap of $98 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMCY currently yields 180.22% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SMCY and VTI share 0 holdings out of 2790 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, SMCY or VTI?
SMCY has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $98 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMCY or VTI?
Over the past year SMCY returned -20.14% vs +22.35% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMCY annualized -22.06% vs +8.09% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMCY or VTI?
SMCY has been the more volatile fund at 71.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SMCY -64.8% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SMCY and VTI?
SMCY and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.48, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMCY and VTI?
SMCY and VTI share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2790 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMCY or VTI?
SMCY yields 180.22% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SMCY 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.