UCYB vs VYM
ProShares Ultra Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. UCYB delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | UCYB | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.95% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $7M | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.58% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 6 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | +91.11% | +16.78% | |
| 1Y Return | +73.62% | +24.43% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +51.98% | +18.60% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.08% | +12.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 48.2% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -62.9% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | ProShares | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Alternative | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 19, 2021 | Nov 10, 2006 |
UCYB vs VYM Performance
ProShares Ultra Nasdaq Cybersecurity ETF (UCYB) is a ETF from ProShares and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year UCYB returned +73.62% while VYM returned +24.43%. Year to date, UCYB is up 91.11% versus a gain of 16.78% for VYM.
Over three years, UCYB compounded at +51.98% per year against +18.60% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +18.08% and +12.30% respectively. Across the full 6-year window we track, UCYB has the edge at +18.49% annualized vs +7.11%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
UCYB has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 48.2% 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 -62.9% for UCYB 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
UCYB 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, UCYB currently yields 1.58% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, UCYB or VYM?
UCYB 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, UCYB or VYM?
Over the past year UCYB returned +73.62% vs +24.43% for VYM, so UCYB leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (6 years), UCYB annualized +18.49% vs +7.11% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, UCYB or VYM?
UCYB has been the more volatile fund at 48.2% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: UCYB -62.9% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both UCYB and VYM?
UCYB and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, UCYB or VYM?
UCYB yields 1.58% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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