SMCY vs VYM
YieldMax SMCI 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 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMCY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.01% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $135M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 180.22% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 18 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +5.47% | +15.75% | |
| 1Y Return | -24.23% | +23.85% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.14% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.45% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 71.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | YieldMax ETF | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMCY vs VYM Performance
YieldMax SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF (SMCY) is a ETF from YieldMax ETF and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMCY returned -24.23% while VYM returned +23.85%. Year to date, SMCY is up 5.47% versus a gain of 15.75% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMCY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 71.8% 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 -64.8% for SMCY 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
SMCY charges 1.01% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $4 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMCY currently yields 180.22% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMCY and VYM share 0 holdings out of 606 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 VYM?
SMCY has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMCY or VYM?
Over the past year SMCY returned -24.23% vs +23.85% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMCY annualized -21.46% vs +7.06% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMCY or VYM?
SMCY has been the more volatile fund at 71.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMCY -64.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMCY and VYM?
SMCY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMCY and VYM?
SMCY and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 606 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMCY or VYM?
SMCY yields 180.22% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SMCY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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