TUG vs VYM
STF Tactical Growth ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. TUG delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 568 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TUG | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $32M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.91% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 101 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +19.83% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +26.90% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +22.36% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -22.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Gateway Credit Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 18, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
TUG vs VYM Performance
STF Tactical Growth ETF (TUG) is a ETF from Gateway Credit Partners and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TUG returned +26.90% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, TUG is up 19.83% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, TUG compounded at +22.36% per year against +18.60% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, TUG has the edge at +18.79% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TUG has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.6% 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 -22.3% for TUG 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 0.38. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TUG charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, TUG currently yields 1.91% against 2.86% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
TUG and VYM share 27 holdings out of 632 unique holdings combined, representing a 16.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TUG or VYM?
TUG has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, TUG or VYM?
Over the past year TUG returned +26.90% vs +24.43% for VYM, so TUG leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), TUG annualized +18.79% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TUG or VYM?
TUG has been the more volatile fund at 16.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: TUG -22.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both TUG and VYM?
TUG and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.38, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TUG and VYM?
TUG and VYM share 27 common holdings with a 16.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 632 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TUG or VYM?
TUG yields 1.91% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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