SOUX vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSOUXVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.29%0.04%
AUM$9M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings11568
YTD Return-71.84%+16.10%
1Y Return-91.46%+25.99%
3Y Return (annualized)-+18.29%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.35%
Volatility (annualized)123.5%14.6%
Max Drawdown-96.5%-58.8%
Fund FamilyDefiance ETFs, LLCVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionJun 23, 2025Nov 10, 2006

SOUX vs VYM Performance

Defiance Daily Target 2X Long SOUN ETF (SOUX) is a ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SOUX returned -91.46% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SOUX is down 71.84% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SOUX has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 123.5% 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 -96.5% for SOUX 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 0.37. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SOUX 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, SOUX currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SOUX 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, SOUX or VYM?

SOUX 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, SOUX or VYM?

Over the past year SOUX returned -91.46% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (1 years), SOUX annualized -77.01% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SOUX or VYM?

SOUX has been the more volatile fund at 123.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SOUX -96.5% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both SOUX and VYM?

SOUX and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.37, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SOUX and VYM?

SOUX and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 559 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, SOUX or VYM?

SOUX yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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