SMST vs VYM
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SMST delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMST | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.31% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $28M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 8 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | -31.89% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +141.43% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 180.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -99.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Aug 20, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMST vs VYM Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMST returned +141.43% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, SMST is down 31.89% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 180.5% 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 -99.3% for SMST 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 -0.12. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMST charges 1.31% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $131 vs $4 annually, a gap of $127 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMST currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMST and VYM share 0 holdings out of 605 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, SMST or VYM?
SMST has an expense ratio of 1.31% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $127 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMST or VYM?
Over the past year SMST returned +141.43% vs +24.22% for VYM, so SMST leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMST annualized -82.40% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMST or VYM?
SMST has been the more volatile fund at 180.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMST -99.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMST and VYM?
SMST and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.12, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMST and VYM?
SMST and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 605 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMST or VYM?
SMST yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM 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.