TUGN vs VYM
STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. TUGN delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 613 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | TUGN | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $85M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 11.55% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 102 | 613 | |
| YTD Return | +15.74% | +14.87% | |
| 1Y Return | +23.33% | +21.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +20.58% | +18.69% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +11.98% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 17.1% | 14.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -23.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Gateway Credit Partners | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | May 18, 2022 | Nov 10, 2006 |
TUGN vs VYM Performance
STF Tactical Growth & Income ETF (TUGN) is a ETF from Gateway Credit Partners and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year TUGN returned +23.33% while VYM returned +21.39%. Year to date, TUGN is up 15.74% versus a gain of 14.87% for VYM.
Over three years, TUGN compounded at +20.58% per year against +18.69% for VYM. Across the full 4-year window we track, TUGN has the edge at +14.64% annualized vs +7.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
TUGN has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 17.1% compared with 14.5% 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 -23.4% for TUGN 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 0.40. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
TUGN 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, TUGN currently yields 11.55% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
TUGN and VYM share 28 holdings out of 673 unique holdings combined, representing a 14.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, TUGN or VYM?
TUGN 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, TUGN or VYM?
Over the past year TUGN returned +23.33% vs +21.39% for VYM, so TUGN leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), TUGN annualized +14.64% vs +7.00% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, TUGN or VYM?
TUGN has been the more volatile fund at 17.1% annualized versus 14.5% for VYM. Worst drawdown: TUGN -23.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both TUGN and VYM?
TUGN and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.40, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between TUGN and VYM?
TUGN and VYM share 28 common holdings with a 14.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 673 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, TUGN or VYM?
TUGN yields 11.55% while VYM yields 2.24%, so TUGN currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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