SOXS vs VYM
Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bear 3X 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 | SOXS | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.00% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1.7B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 131.11% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 12 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -92.57% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | -96.77% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | -86.88% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | -79.83% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 73.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -100.0% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Direxion Shares ETF Trust | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Mar 11, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SOXS vs VYM Performance
Direxion Daily Semiconductor Bear 3X ETF (SOXS) is a ETF from Direxion Shares ETF Trust and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SOXS returned -96.77% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, SOXS is down 92.57% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, SOXS compounded at -86.88% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -79.83% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.11% annualized vs -71.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SOXS has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 73.0% 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 -100.0% for SOXS 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 -0.56. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SOXS charges 1.00% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $100 vs $4 annually, a gap of $96 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SOXS currently yields 131.11% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SOXS and VYM share 0 holdings out of 562 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, SOXS or VYM?
SOXS has an expense ratio of 1.00% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $96 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SOXS or VYM?
Over the past year SOXS returned -96.77% vs +24.43% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SOXS annualized -71.24% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SOXS or VYM?
SOXS has been the more volatile fund at 73.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SOXS -100.0% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SOXS and VYM?
SOXS and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.56, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SOXS and VYM?
SOXS and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 562 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SOXS or VYM?
SOXS yields 131.11% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SOXS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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