SMST vs VYM
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, SMST or VYM?
Trading-Inverse Equity against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMST | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.31% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $17M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 16 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -83.96% | +11.35%Best |
| 1Y Return | -46.38% | +15.34%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +17.22% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 183.3% | 10.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -14.5% |
| $10,000 over 2.1 years | $71 | $13,526Best |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Inverse Equity | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Aug 20, 2024 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 2.1 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Aug 21, 2024 to Sep 18, 2026 (2.1 years).
SMST vs VYM growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 2.1 years both funds cover.
SMST vs VYM Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Short MSTR ETF (SMST) is an ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMST returned -46.38% while VYM returned +15.34%. Year to date, SMST is down 83.96% versus a gain of 11.35% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMST has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 183.3% compared with 10.5% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.07. They move largely independently of each other.
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 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in SMST and 557 in VYM, totalling 3.0% and 99.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in SMST and 557 in VYM, against full books of 16 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SMST and VYM you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
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, by $127 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SMST or VYM?
Over the past year SMST returned -46.38% vs +15.34% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SMST annualized -90.50% vs +15.47% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SMST or VYM?
SMST has been the more volatile fund at 183.3% annualized versus 10.5% for VYM.
Should I hold both SMST and VYM?
SMST and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.07, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMST or VYM?
SMST yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than SMST?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.