SOFX vs VYM
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SOFI 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 | SOFX | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.29% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $75M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 11 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -68.61% | +16.10% | |
| 1Y Return | -62.97% | +25.99% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.29% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 106.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -84.8% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 15, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SOFX vs VYM Performance
Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SOFI ETF (SOFX) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SOFX returned -62.97% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SOFX is down 68.61% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOFX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 106.5% 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 -84.8% for SOFX 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOFX charges 1.29% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $129 vs $4 annually, a gap of $125 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOFX currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SOFX and VYM share 0 holdings out of 560 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, SOFX or VYM?
SOFX has an expense ratio of 1.29% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $125 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOFX or VYM?
Over the past year SOFX returned -62.97% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SOFX annualized -36.01% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOFX or VYM?
SOFX has been the more volatile fund at 106.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SOFX -84.8% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SOFX and VYM?
SOFX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOFX and VYM?
SOFX and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 560 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOFX or VYM?
SOFX yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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