SMU vs VYM
Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, SMU or VYM?
Opposite sides of the same exposure.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.62, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees.
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 | SMU | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $42M | $83.1B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 6 | 608 |
| YTD Return | +14.90%Best | +10.00% |
| 1Y Return | -86.93% | +13.75%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.81% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.63% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 223.0% | 10.3%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -98.2% | -6.7%Best |
| $10,000 over 1.2 years | $1,194 | $11,907Best |
| Fund Family | Tradr ETFs | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Leveraged Equity | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 1.2 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Jul 11, 2025 to Oct 2, 2026 (1.2 years).
SMU 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 1.2 years both funds cover.
SMU vs VYM Performance
Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF (SMU) is an ETF from Tradr ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMU returned -86.93% while VYM returned +13.75%. Year to date, SMU is up 14.90% versus a gain of 10.00% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 223.0% compared with 10.3% 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 -98.2% for SMU and -6.7% for VYM. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at -0.62. They move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, while paying both funds' fees.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SMU charges 1.30% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $130 vs $4 annually, a gap of $126 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SMU currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SMU 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, SMU or VYM?
SMU has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $126 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SMU or VYM?
Over the past year SMU returned -86.93% vs +13.75% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SMU annualized -82.98% vs +15.66% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SMU or VYM?
SMU has been the more volatile fund at 223.0% annualized versus 10.3% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMU -98.2% vs VYM -6.7%.
Should I hold both SMU and VYM?
SMU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.62, so they move opposite each other. Holding both offsets the exposure rather than spreading it, and pays both funds' fees on the way. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMU or VYM?
SMU yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than SMU?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM led over 1Y and the full window. The two move opposite each other, correlation -0.62, so holding both offsets the exposure while paying both fees. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.