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

MetricSRTYVYMWinner
Expense Ratio0.95%0.04%
AUM$80M$79.0B
Dividend Yield8.93%2.86%
Holdings14568
YTD Return-47.49%+15.80%
1Y Return-65.46%+26.12%
3Y Return (annualized)-44.99%+18.25%
5Y Return (annualized)-33.56%+12.51%
Volatility (annualized)53.6%14.6%
Max Drawdown-100.0%-58.8%
Fund FamilyProSharesVanguard (US)
CategoryAlternativeEquity
InceptionFeb 9, 2010Nov 10, 2006

SRTY vs VYM Performance

ProShares UltraPro Short Russell2000 (SRTY) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SRTY returned -65.46% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, SRTY is down 47.49% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.

Over three years, SRTY compounded at -44.99% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -33.56% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.07% annualized vs -45.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SRTY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 53.6% 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 SRTY 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 -0.81. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SRTY charges 0.95% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $95 vs $4 annually, a gap of $91 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SRTY currently yields 8.93% against 2.86% for VYM.

Holdings Overlap

0.0%overlap

SRTY 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, SRTY or VYM?

SRTY has an expense ratio of 0.95% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $91 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SRTY or VYM?

Over the past year SRTY returned -65.46% vs +26.12% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), SRTY annualized -45.85% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SRTY or VYM?

SRTY has been the more volatile fund at 53.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SRTY -100.0% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both SRTY and VYM?

SRTY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of -0.81, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between SRTY and VYM?

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

Which pays a higher dividend, SRTY or VYM?

SRTY yields 8.93% while VYM yields 2.86%, so SRTY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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