SPCL vs VYM
Defiance Daily 2X Space ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Which is better, SPCL or VYM?
Trading-Leveraged Equity against Large Cap Value.
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SPCL led over the full window, VYM over 1Y.
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 | SPCL | VYM |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 1.31% | 0.04%Best |
| AUM | $14M | $81.6B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.22% |
| Holdings | 28 | 613 |
| YTD Return | -25.62% | +11.47%Best |
| 1Y Return | -25.62% | +15.94%Best |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +18.03% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.35% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 5867156.8% | 13.5%Best |
| Max Drawdown | - | -35.7% |
| $10,000 over 12.6 years | $348,988Best | $30,487 |
| Fund Family | Defiance ETFs, LLC | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Alternative | Equity |
| Style | Trading-Leveraged Equity | Large Cap Value |
| Inception | Apr 7, 2026 | Nov 10, 2006 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown, and the $10,000 over 12.6 years row, are measured over the window both funds cover: Feb 18, 2014 to Sep 21, 2026 (12.6 years).
SPCL 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 is available from the range buttons; it is not the opening view here because over the whole period one of these two funds moves so much further than the other that its line would sit flat on the axis.
SPCL vs VYM Performance
Defiance Daily 2X Space ETF (SPCL) is an ETF from Defiance ETFs, LLC and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPCL returned -25.62% while VYM returned +15.94%. Year to date, SPCL is down 25.62% versus a gain of 11.47% for VYM.
Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SPCL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 5867156.8% compared with 13.5% for VYM. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.26. They move largely independently of each other.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SPCL charges 1.31% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $131 vs $4 annually, a gap of $127 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPCL currently yields 0.00% against 2.22% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
We hold position weights for 1 holding in SPCL and 557 in VYM, totalling 9.0% and 99.2% of the two funds. The two books name no position in common, so there is no overlap percentage to show.
0 positions in common, counted across the 1 positions we hold weights for in SPCL and 557 in VYM, against full books of 28 and 613.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of SPCL 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, SPCL or VYM?
SPCL has an expense ratio of 1.31% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option, by $127 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, SPCL or VYM?
Over the past year SPCL returned -25.62% vs +15.94% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (13 years), SPCL annualized +32.57% vs +9.25% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, SPCL or VYM?
SPCL has been the more volatile fund at 5867156.8% annualized versus 13.5% for VYM.
Should I hold both SPCL and VYM?
SPCL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, SPCL or VYM?
SPCL yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.22%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VYM better than SPCL?
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SPCL led over the full window, VYM over 1Y. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.