SMCY vs VXUS
YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMCY | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $107M | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 221.89% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 15 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -10.57% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | -36.09% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 69.7% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.8% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2024 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SMCY vs VXUS Performance
YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF (SMCY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMCY returned -36.09% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SMCY is down 10.57% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 69.7% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $5 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMCY currently yields 221.89% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SMCY and VXUS share 0 holdings out of 7864 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 VXUS?
SMCY has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMCY or VXUS?
Over the past year SMCY returned -36.09% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMCY annualized -28.27% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMCY or VXUS?
SMCY has been the more volatile fund at 69.7% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SMCY -64.8% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SMCY and VXUS?
SMCY and VXUS 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 VXUS?
SMCY and VXUS share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7864 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMCY or VXUS?
SMCY yields 221.89% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so SMCY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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