SMU vs VYM
Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily 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 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SMU | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.30% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $45M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 4 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -46.20% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | -94.04% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 178.8% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -98.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Tradr ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 10, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SMU vs VYM Performance
Tradr 2X Long SMR Daily ETF (SMU) is a ETF from Tradr ETFs and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SMU returned -94.04% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, SMU is down 46.20% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SMU has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 178.8% 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 -98.2% for SMU 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 -0.34. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
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 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SMU and VYM share 0 holdings out of 559 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, SMU or VYM?
SMU has an expense ratio of 1.30% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $126 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SMU or VYM?
Over the past year SMU returned -94.04% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SMU annualized -93.21% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SMU or VYM?
SMU has been the more volatile fund at 178.8% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SMU -98.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SMU and VYM?
SMU and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.34, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SMU and VYM?
SMU and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SMU or VYM?
SMU yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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